Over 2,000 to attend Easter ‘learn to swim’ programme

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), launched their annual Easter ‘Learn To Swim’ Programme at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, on Monday.

Over 2,000 children have the opportunity to learn an important life skill, a significant increase from the approximately 600 participants last year.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, indicated that the NSC as a collective is mapping out different ways to make it easier for persons to participate and since last year, they removed the need for payment at registration, and this year, the registration was able to complete online.

Given the number of participants, Ninvalle said “safety is utmost priority” and in addition to the programme for children in August, there will be one for adults.

More so, the Director of Sport revealed they acquired 20 touchpads that will be installed soon, boosting the capacity to host regional and international events.

Deputy Chair of the NSC, Cristy Campbell expressed that the commitment to developing sport is evident with the investments they are making, especially in creating a nursery for athletes.

The programme, which has developed into a national platform, and is specifically geared towards children aged 6-18, will be conducted simultaneously at four facilities.

The venues are the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal; the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Georgetown; the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden; and the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice.

Experienced national coach Paul Mahaica will serve as the programme coordinator and lead trainer.