Guyanese swimmer Phillip DeNobrega Jnr has managed to gain a 12-month scholarship at the Spire Swimming Academy, Cleveland, Ohio thanked to Federation Internationale de natation (FINA).
DeNobrega who left these shores on Sunday follows in the footsteps of Olympian Hannibal Gaskin, who attend a programme of similar nature last year. The focus of the programme for the 17 year-old will be develop his skills ahead of this year’s FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary from July 25 -30. DeNobrega expressed his excitement over being selected for the programme, stating that he will do his best since he wants qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Ivan Persaud gave well-wishers to the Sea Otters swimmer and urged him to make the best of the opportunity.
Persaud, in explaining the selection process stated that each club was given
Phillip DeNobrega Jnr (black and white) is flanked by family members and GASA Executive at the National Aquatic Centre (Dexter Ceres photo)
notice to select submit names of swimmers to GASA and in tern FINA for consideration, however, DeNobrega’s name was the only one submitted.
Meanwhile, Secretary of GASA Joann Lowe urged DeNobrega to put his mind to the task at hand to do well; Vice-President Elky Rodrigues reminded the young swimmer that he is now an Ambassador for his country and stated success comes only after hard work.
Similarly, Leon Seaton encouraged the Chase Academic Foundation Student to do the best he can do so as to pave the way for other young swimmers in the sport. DeNobrega will return for the Goodwill Games that will be held in Guyana from August 18-20. The Spire Academy Swimming Program in its portfolio describes itself as dedicated to helping each swimmer reach his or her dreams. The Spire institute provides a unique opportunity to train at the heart of the Olympic Movement. The training facilities are some of the best in the world and the coaching is world class.
The training is based upon the individual needs of each athlete with a high level of focus on technique. They emphasize range of motion and flexibility and use a wide variety of methods to improve those skills.
With a variety of elite athletes from around the world, the institution cultivates a competitive and positive training atmosphere.
Aquatics Director and Head Coach Thad Schultz is a former national champion and has worked with nine Olympians, four of whom were gold medalists.
