Easter camp puts spotlight on swimming’s future

By Avenash Ramzan

It was just held for eight days, but the annual Easter swim camp has put the spotlight on the future of the sport, which now looks bright given the tremendous talent on show.

To put things into perspective, six-year-old Jessica, who started the programme last year, quite amazingly has already mastered all four strokes- breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle and butterfly.

The onus is now on the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association and other relative stakeholders to ensure Jessica doesn’t become just a number, but rather one who is worthy of hoisting the Golden Arrowhead at some point.

She did a demonstration on Friday morning, as part of activities to bring an end to the annual swim camp at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal.

According to organiser Wilton Spencer of the National Sports Commission, 104 boys and girls participated in the programme, which catered to the fundamentals of the sport.

Spencer said that there is notable improvement in the participants, some of whom came without prior knowledge of swimming or the experience of entering a pool.

Deputy Director of Sport, Brian Smith, who delivered feature remarks, said the programme is of importance to the National Sports Commission, as it gives young people a chance to develop their skills.

He urged parents to register early for the next event, which is in August, and avoid the last-minute rush.

President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association, Ivan Persaud, lauded the parents for making the sacrifice during the past two weeks in ensuring their child or children acquire an important life skill.

While speaking on the benefits of swimming to young people, Persaud stressed that competitive success in the pool does not come easy, although the Association has been making efforts to improve in this regard.

He referenced to the work ethic of famed Olympian Michael Phelps, in driving home the point of what it takes to be a champion. 

Meanwhile, one of the coordinators, Paul Mahaica, said the camp, which attracted a combination of newcomers and repeats from last year, was an overall success.