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It is a privilege to swim
Wednesday, 03 February 2010
With the help and guidance from Emma Swanwick (TSA) and Tuks High Performance Centre in Pretoria,
26 kids were given the priceless opportunity to learn to swim.
During a period of two weeks a group of 26 youngsters from Mamelodi East, that form part of the Gauteng North Triathlon development training group, were taught the basic principals of swimming. The group, lead by Elite Triathlete Riana De Lange, Anton Loedolff (GNT development officer), Nico Sterk, Kim Battson and a few volunteers, were guided in the basics of “learn-to-swim” principals and gained the confidence and courage to swim.
The group consisted of youngsters between the ages of 9yrs up to u/16yrs, with at least 5 youngsters proving that they have the ability, courage & talent to develop into high performance triathletes in the years to come. The aim of the development swim course was not only to develop the basic skills of the younger athletes but also to spot some talent for development for future stars. The goal was achieved with two of the athletes being introduced to the high performance centre training camp under the management of Emma Swanwick.
The focus of the “learn-to-swim” coaching was the start of a bigger challenge for the future but it will hopefully take the sport of triathlon to the schools of Pretoria and future development amongst the youngsters of today.
The development of the sport has many challenges but with training and development clinics such as these, the future of the sport is heading in the right direction. One only realizes the impact of the coaching once one reads the feedback and comments made by the youngsters themselves.
Comments such as:
“…I would like to thank HPC…” and
“ . . . It is a dream come true…” and
“…I am happy and can’t wait to go to a competition . . .”
and “…my dream is to be a top swimmer . . . “
These type of comments lead one to believe that there is a huge need for input, development, talent identification and just giving the youngsters the opportunity to compete.
Special thanks to:
Emma Swanwick (TSA), Anneke Kotze for photos and liaison with TSA and GNT, volunteers that aided in the coaching including Kyle Mac, Ian Peterkin and Graham Brooking. All the help from “Bridge to Cross” representative Frikkie Koen.
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