THE National Sports Commission (NSC) ‘Learn to Swim’ Easter vacation programme concludes tomorrow and thus far, the public consensus has been one of extreme satisfaction with the execution and usefulness of the initiative that has seen over 2000 children benefitting.

During an update that was facilitated by the organisers yesterday at the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street; one of five venues for the two-week programme, coordinator and head coach of the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, Paul Mahaica, revealed that he was pleased how smoothly the event has been running despite the large number of entries.

He praised the 40 coaches that work multiple sessions a day for their patience and perseverance, while also giving kudos to the dedicated parents that ensured their children came out in their numbers and on time.

Leota King, a parent, said that the event has been a huge success. She noted that most kids, like her daughter, begin the swim programme without a lot of knowledge and learn so much in a short time period. She continued, “My daughter, at seven years, is well on her way to mastering the extremely important life skill of swimming. She has learnt how to float and manage herself well in the water and I am proud.”

“I think the (‘Learn to Swim’) programme has been excellent and it is something that we definitely need to be continued in the future.”

Meanwhile, Director of Sport; Steve Ninvalle, during a brief comment stated that the annual initiative is indicative of the government’s resolute commitment to the development of the sports landscape via an encompassing approach.

He explained, “The growth of the programme, which has witnessed a 200 per cent increase from the previous iteration of 600 participants, underscores the government’s modus operandi in that the development of the sports sector should entail and be guided by a comprehensive blueprint.”

According to Ninvalle, the overwhelming success of this edition, will certainly serve as a clarion call for expansion of the annual initiative, declaring, “The expectation is that the programme will eventually serve as a catalyst and conduit for the emergence of many Raekwon Noels, who historically clinched five gold medals at the recently concluded Junior CARIFTA Aquatics in the Curacao.”
He further said, “An adults’ variant of the present programme has also been conceptualised and will be conducted during the month of June which further demonstrates the government’s exhaustive and extensive policy for the advancement and overall evolution of the sports ecosystem.”