Safety is priority at growing Easter Swim Camp

Scores of children and parents turned up at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Monday morning, for what would be the official opening of the annual Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) Easter Swimming Programme.

The programme, targeting children aged 6-18 will once again be offered at four locations across the country – the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal; the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown; the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden and the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice.

During Monday’s opening, Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, emphasised the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ and the National Sports Commission’s focus on the safety of participating children.

“With such large numbers comes a large responsibility. The responsibility of the NSC is to make sure that although you have an enjoyable time learning this important life skill, we must make sure that each and every individual does that in a safe surrounding,” the Director of Sport shared.

Ninvalle went on to add, “I’m saying this because of the fact that safety will be our number one watchword. We would leave no stone unturned to make sure that your children are safe.”

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Dwayne Scott highlighted the positives of the initiative, which include discovering new talents.

Scott told those gathered at the Aquatic Centre, “More important for us, these initiatives help to build the sport. It brings to us people with interest and desire to represent Guyana at the higher level. It exposes every single one of you to this very important life skill, we’re the Land of Many Waters and the last you would want to not be able to do is swim.”

“I would’ve charged the coaches and the national swimmers to work with you and help you guys understand the basic fundamentals which require you being able to be a successful swimmer,” the GASA President added.

According to the NSC, more than 2000 children registered for this year’s Easter Swimming Programme. This is a significant increase from last year’s Easter programme, as was highlighted by NSC Commissioner and Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) President Cristy Campbell.

“The other thing I wish to highlight is the exponential increase in numbers from last year’s swim camp. We had approximately 600 participants at last Easter’s camp and that number has tremendously increased to over 2000 participants. That in itself signals that parents are au fait with the work we have been doing from the Commission and the Ministry. It also illustrates that parents are grasping the opportunities we are presenting to you,” Campbell reasoned.

Additionally, swim caps were distributed to some of the budding swimmers. The programme is set to conclude next Friday.