FOLLOWING her successful stint where she hosted the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme from February to early this month, the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and all of Guyana yesterday said farewell to Japanese swimming coach Kumiko Inozuka, at a simple ceremony hosted at Colgrain Pool yesterday afternoon. Present at yesterday’s ceremony were Secretary of GASA, Joy George, Administrator within the National Sports Commission (NSC) Gervy Harry and NSC’s Director of Sport Neil Kumar, who said he organised the activity, after being invited to a welcome ceremony that was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visiting Japanese VSOs.
“I took this decision to host this farewell function for Inozuka, after I was invited to a special activity that was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for some visiting Japanese VSOs,” stated Kumar.
He added, “I can tell you that those from the agricultural, educational and all the different sections that are here, were very impressed by the presentation made by Inozuka, with members of GASA expressing delight at the work she put in, while I think we did not make the best use of her.
“However, we are satisfied with the work done and I think it is an honour for us to have her here and as the chairman for this afternoon’s proceedings rightly said, it must not be your ambition to swim at Colgrain Pool only, but you must aspire to swim at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC).”
Reflecting on the ‘Learn to Swim‘ Kumar was pleased to announce that 53 swimmers started in February, while at yesterday’s closing ceremony, they can boast of having 103 swimmers completing a course, 13 of whom will move on to the NAC for developmental training.
“This process will not end with the departure of Inozuka, as we will have to find ways and, following conversations with GASA, ensure this programme continues for our young swimmers, as this is a time when they will be motivated in four years time, as I am confident that Guyana will have a swimming contingent at the next Olympics,” said Kumar.
He lauded the parents who participated in the course and were present at yesterday afternoon’s ceremony, while he charged them to ensure their children take full advantage of what they have learnt over the past five months under Inozuka’s instructions. He also charged the GASA to keep the programme going.
Like the other speakers before him, including George and national swimming coach Stephanie Fraser, Kumar expressed heartfelt gratitude on the work put in by Inozuka and drew a round of applause when he told his audience that he will be meeting with Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper, with regard to Inozuka returning for another stint.
Both George and Fraser were high in praise for Inozuka and the work she completed, with George highlighting her unflinching efforts to be at the Colgrain Pool for 0530hrs each morning without fail, to commence classes, while Fraser said she was very good in the bio-mechanics of swimming.
Following all the brief remarks, Inozuka thanked the GASA for having her here and also expressed the hope to return to these shores for another stint with the local swimming fraternity, saying she met a group of swimmers who were eager to learn. She received tokens of appreciation from Kumar, on behalf of Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony and the NSC.