With the Easter Vacation Swimming Programme set to officially conclude on Saturday, Director of Sports (DoS) Steve Ninvalle stated that the successful initiative is another example of the Government’s pledge to develop the local sporting landscape in a structured manner.
Ninvalle during brief remarks noted that the yearly programme is symbolic of the government’s ensuing commitment to the development of the sporting fraternity via an encompassing methodology.
He expounded, “The growth of the programme, which has witnessed a 200% increase from the previous iteration, underscores the government’s modus operandi in that the development of the sports sector should entail and be guided by a comprehensive blueprint.” The programme which commenced on April 3rd, features in excess of 2000 participants. The initiative, which has developed into a national platform, and is specifically geared toward children aged 6-18, is being conducted simultaneously at four facilities following its approved commencement.
They are the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown, the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden and the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice.
According to Ninvalle, a clarion call for the expansion of the programme, given the success of the current iteration, is expected, adding, “The expectation is that the programme will eventually serve as a catalyst and conduit for the emergence of many Raekwon Noels, who historically clinched five gold medals at the recently concluded Junior Carifta Games in the Bahamas.”
He further said, “An adults variant of the present programme has also been conceptualized and will be conducted during the month of June which further demonstrates the government’s exhaustive and extensive policy for the advancement and overall evolution of the sports ecosystem.” Meanwhile, Paul Mahaica, coordinator and head coach of the programme praised the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as well as the National Sports Commission, who have been instrumental in the growth of the initiative, adding that the safety and security apparatus for the participants and 40 coaches have been exemplary.
Also, former national swimmer and deck coach Kenita Mahaica said that the importance of the programme cannot be understated, as it teaches an important life skill, adding that the incident-free event has been an overwhelming success.
