Historic MCYS/NSC adult ‘Learn to Swim’ programme officially underway

ON the heels of the annual Easter Vacation Swimming Programme in April, which was an incredible success, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, officially opened the inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative yesterday at the National Aquatic Center, Lilliendaal.
The programme, which will be conducted every Saturday and Sunday during this month, is being facilitated at two facilities: the Aquatic Centre and the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street, with sessions from 14:00hrs-15:00hrs and 15:00hrs-16:00hrs on each day.

Paul Mahaica has been revealed as the co-ordinator and lead trainer of the event that will soon be taken nationwide with over 1500 adults already registering for this first phase.
Present at the opening ceremony yesterday was Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle and NSC Vice-Chair, Cristy Campbell.
In his remarks, Minister Ramson Jr. shared that he was very proud to be part of the historic first adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative by the Ministry and the NSC. He noted that his Ministry is committed to swimming in Guyana and that is evident with the constant investment they are putting into the sport inclusive of infrastructure development.

The Minister also revealed that the Aquatic centre will soon have ‘Open Days’, “Where anyone can come and enjoy the pool. We want that because it’s important that all Guyanese benefit from our investment.”
Ninvalle and Campbell both highlighted the significance of safety; a clear indication that the organisers have that as a top priority. In addition to the 30-odd facilitators, there will be an ambulance available at each session.