More than 150 participants complete “Learn to Swim” programme at Albion
The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry/National Sports Commission’s “Learn to Swim” programme was hailed a resounding success.
More than 150 participants completed the programme at the Albion Estate Swimming Pool, where they walked away with a great deal of knowledge on swimming.
Regional Sports Officer for Region Six, Randy Mangru, was delighted with the results from the programme, and he also noted that this programme will return next year.
One of the trainers presenting a certificate to a participant
“Many people think we have swimming programmes to teach them to swim so they can show off in the area. No, it is a lifesaving technique. Once you keep practising, you will be able to save yourself or save someone else,” Mangru said.
Additionally, several participants hailed the programme and praised the coaches for their patience shown across the three weeks. Beginner and advanced swimmers were happy at the end of the programme and are now able to impart the knowledge of swimming to prospective swimmers.
This programme promoted water safety and provided basic swimming education while nurturing competitive swimmers in Berbice. Each of the participants received a certificate upon completion of the programme.
The “Teach Them Young” swimming programme has been an annual event during the school break across Guyana. More than 2000 individuals (kids and adults) benefited from these programmes.
These programmes are usually held nationwide. In addition to the Albion Estate swimming pool, the other venues are the Aquatic Centre, the Colgrain Swimming Pool in Georgetown, and the Watooka Swimming Pool in Linden.
The swimming programme, which had a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, was reintroduced in 2022. It has developed into a national policy under the NSC and is tailored to children and individuals aged 18 and under.
This swimming programme could return at Albion for the Easter and August holidays next year.
