THE Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) says it is hopeful for a year of further improvements in 2024 following the record breaking budget allocation of $4.6 billion dollars to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

According to GASA in a press release, the allocations to the Ministry will aid in the development of new projects that will help to further advance sports in Guyana.

The Swimming Association has a vision to expand the sport of swimming, beyond the major towns in Guyana, and sees this allocation as an opportunity to host regional, continental, and international events locally.

On a domestic level, GASA has been working towards systematic improvements through the procurement of tools and equipment, strategically through development of coaches and with the development of programmes that include ‘learn to swim’ and similar initiatives.

Needless to say, these visions can only be realised with improved infrastructure and facilities. The Ministry, along with the National Sports Commission and GASA share these visions and are in constant discussions on the realisation of these plans and the impact it can have on the country be it economic, social and/or cultural, the statement continued.

Recent partnerships among the three have contributed to GASA’s participation at the CARIFTA Games, the CAC Games, World Aquatic Games, and the Inter-Guyana games, which help to raise the profiles of the national swimmers and officials.

The Swimming Association noted that they had stellar performances at the CAC games and the inter-Guyana games in 2023 and look to further improvements in 2024.

The release stated that the 2024 budget allocations will not only allow them to drive the continuity of these programmes, but for the implementation of additional initiatives that will further push the development of sports throughout the nation.