Coaches urged to inspire swimmers to achieve greatness

─ “All of our swimmers should be causing heads to turn at international championships, but it is up to you the coaches to inspire them and make them want to be the best” – Min. Norton 

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Swim coaches from various clubs across the country were, this evening, urged to inspire their athletes to achieve greatness. Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton made this call at the opening of a five-day coaches’ clinic at the National Aquatic Centre.

The clinic is being hosted by Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA); the international body recognised by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competition in water sport.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton addressing the gathering at the coaches’ clinic.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton meets some of the young swimmers from various clubs across Guyana while Coach Paul Mahaica [in yellow shirt] looks on.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton meets some of the young swimmers from various clubs across Guyana while Coach Paul Mahaica [in yellow shirt] looks on.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton meets some of the young swimmers from various clubs across Guyana while Coach Paul Mahaica [in yellow shirt] looks on.

Local swim coaches during the opening of the clinic.

The clinic is being facilitated by the coach of Columbia’s National Swimming Team, Fabio Toro.

Minister Norton called upon the coaches to make full use of the clinic adding that he is looking forward to seeing stunning results from swimmers in the future. According to Minister Norton, Guyana is known as the land of many waters; therefore, the country’s swimmers should be among the best not only in the Caribbean but the entire world.

“All of our swimmers should be causing heads to turn at international championships, but it is up to you the coaches to inspire them and make them want to be the best” he urged.

Addressing coach Toro, the minister said, “I am depending on you to take our coaches to that next level… more coaches of that calibre will produce more athletes like young Aleka Persaud who recently dominated the 11-12 category at the 48th running of the CARIFTA swimming championships.”

Additionally, the minister said that his department has an open-door policy and is there to lend support to the development of the sport in whatever way possible.

Isaiah Braithwaite.

Images: Jules Gibson.