Gov’t secures $9M touch pads for Swimming Association

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. on Friday morning announced that government has purchased much-needed touch pads, a device that will significantly boost the aquatic sport in Guyana.

The need for touch pads was highlighted during the Minister’s interaction with members of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association during his series of meetings with the national associations/federations after coming into office in August 2020.

A swimming touch pad is an automatic electronic timing device used in swimming competitions. It accurately records an athlete’s time and eliminates human error.

Swimming has been identified as one of the 12 core sport by the Ministry, and once the touch pads get here the Academy programme will commence.

Ramson Jr., delivering feature remarks at the closing ceremony of the National Sports Commission’s annual Easter swim camp, said the acquisition of the touch pads will significantly increase Guyana’s chances of hosting marquee international events, while giving local swimmers accurate timings during training and competitions.

Currently, timings are done manually in Guyana.

“I’m happy to announce to the public and you guys here that the Ministry bought those touch pads,” the Minister said to rapturous applause at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

“I’m also happy to announce as well that those touch pads are on the way. We should be expecting them next month and once they are here, we’re going to be launching the National Sports Academy for swimming.”