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NSC Easter swim programme concludes
Students, Coaches and organisers following the closing ceremony at the NAC. NSC Chairman Dr. Colin Roach is 3rd from right.
By Zaheer Mohamed
The National Sports Commission (NSC) annual Easter Swim programme concluded yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The programme, which lasted for two weeks, saw close to 300 male and female students between the ages of 6-16 being given the opportunity to hone their skills at Colgrain and National Aquatic Centre, under the guidance of several coaches, instructors and life guards.
Students from 6-10 were being trained at Colgrain, while those from 11-16 years old went through their paces at the NAC. They were being tutored on breathing while swimming, floating, kicking and freestyle among other techniques.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday Chairman of the NSC Dr. Colin Roach, stated that the programme has brought a lot of success over the years and as a result it has been extended to region six and 10.
He made mention of Guyana’s gold medalist at the recently concluded CARIFTA Games, Aleka Persaud, who came through the programme. Persaud was the best swimmer in the girls’ 11-12 category as she won gold in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. She also copped bronze in the 50m butterfly and the 200m freestyle at the championship which was held in Barbados.
“Her success is a demonstration of the value of this programme and why we have invested so much into it. We are hoping to expand the programme to other parts of the county. As you know sport helps us to improve healthy lifestyles and to have social interaction and gives us a strong sense of community unity. Investment in sport is important and we will continue to invest in our youths so they can continue to improve.”
Dr. Roach added that he is happy with the turnout and that the students were able to make full use of the opportunity provided.
Coach Paul Mahaica stated that this programme has been the largest so far with close to 300 hundred students partaking. He expressed gratitude to the NSC for expanding the clinic, adding that he was pleased with the results. “Quite a number of students who didn’t know how to swim were able to do so at the end of the programme. We want to urge the parents to encourage their children to get involved in the future programmes.”
He explained that the coaches did a wonderful job and thanked them for their input, stating that he was satisfied with the overall performance of the children.
National swimmer Amy Grant, who worked along with the students as a coach, said it was learning experience for her which she enjoyed, adding that the students showed a lot of promise. She added that the programme will help her to improve as a swimmer as well.
The programme was being held in collaboration with the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.
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