The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCY&S) along with the National Sports Commission (NSC) made a big splash this year, attracting in excess of 2000 participants to their Easter Swimming Camp which was incident free.
Up from 600 last year, the programme was held at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) at Liliendaal, Watooka in Linden, Colgrain House in Georgetown and at Albion.
In the feature address during the closing ceremony yesterday at the NAC, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., stated “To get to the podium, they have to be part of the programme.”
Ramson Jr., underscored the importance of nurseries and camps which are the vehicles which will drive the young swimmers to local and international acclaim.
“We all share the same goals, which is the overall development of our country and our people and it takes a lot of effort and investment.”
Like Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, Ramson Jr., recognized the efforts of local star Raekwon Noel, who earned five gold medals at the just concluded CARIFTA Games.
Ninvalle stated that the NSC has reached out to Noel and will be providing assistance for his swimming career.
Minister Ramson Jr., also pointed out that there is no other programme run by any other agency in such a
short period which has attracted that number of participants across the country.
He stated that the success of this programme stems from the success of the partnership of the parents and others that are involved and lauded and congratulated “all the folks who participated and led the programme.”
Ramson Jr then disclosed that his ministry will open an adult learn to swim programme in July and committed to the return of the summer programme. To loud applause, the subject minister added that soon there will be open days on the weekend where the public can enjoy the facility for leisure purposes.
He also revealed that “before the end of the year, we will have this facility lighted so that there can be swimming in the evenings.”
Before concluding his speech, he heaped praises on Ninvalle and the hard working NSC for the exemplary work they have done so far.
“This is the most active Sports Commission that this country has ever seen. There has never been a more effective, responsible and responsive Director of Sports, and I want to congratulate Steve and the NSC for the work they have been doing.”
Brief congratulatory remarks to the young swimmers and parents were also made by Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Cristy Campbell and Chaitram Ramdial, a Commissioner on the NSC.
