THE NATIONAL Sports Commission yesterday morning launched its 2012 Summer Swimming Programme at the Camp Street Colgrain Pool where over 70 young swimmers, between the ages of 6 and 15 years began a six-week swimming programme. At the launching ceremony were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle, NSC Admin officer Gervy Harry, Japanese swimming coach Kumiko Inuzuk, Cuban swimming coach Isabel Cousa Fals and local swimming coach Stephanie Fraser.
Kumar in his presentation thanked all present for the response to the summer programme and urged that maximum participation must be taken since this beginners programme will help to promote healthy lifestyle.
He noted that the successful swimmers would be identified by the respective coaches when the second phase of sessions is held at the National Aquatic Centre.
This, he noted, will begin the preparation phase for participation in local and international events, as Guyana prepares for the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) which will be held in French Guiana this November.
Dr Anthony outlined the number of activities the Ministry will be embarking on during the summer holidays and urged that youths get involved in these programmes.
He made mention of the President Youth Award programme which consists of three categories, namely bronze, silver and gold, highlighting an interesting component of the programme, where the awardees will have to complete an expedition of exploring areas of Guyana.
He added that the gold awardees will journey to the famous Kaieteur Falls by foot which is expected to be a tiring event, in a few weeks time, before he commissioned the summer swimming programme.