The Sport and Recreation Directorate recently organised a Learn to Swim Club Development Programme in Soweto as part of the City of Johannesburg’s talent identification and development outreach.
The event began in the morning at Pimville Swimming Pool. It turned out to be one of the coldest weekends on the Highveld yet, but despite the freezing temperatures and rain, the enthusiasm and determination of the young swimmers and their coaches could not be dampened as the Pimville indoor heated facility lived up to its potential as a development hub in Soweto.
“As a swimmer, you learn so much about yourself, and the sport instills valuable life lessons in you,” said Mbulelo Mente, whose favourite swimming stroke is the infamous butterfly.
“Swimming is like that pesky little mosquito on a hot summer night, no matter how many times you swat at it, it never goes away, you may give up on swimming at some point, but it will never give up on you,” he added enthusiastically.
The Learn to Swim Club Development Programme aims to increase the number of swimmers in the already established Soweto Swimming Club by offering assistance and support to young swimmers. The programme was designed for children and young adults from the surrounding communities, and it emphasizes water safety, water orientation, survival skills, and basic stroke development.
It is critical for children to know how to swim, and the City’s focus is to make swimming one of the dominant sports in the townships. The event is not only focused on swimming alone, but also on motivating and encouraging youngsters to stay off the streets.
A total of 118 swimmers from various Soweto swimming pools and divisions as part of Soweto Swimming Club participated in the programme.
Miriam Sibanda, the Team Manager of Soweto Swimming Club, expressed her gratitude, saying, “we are truly appreciative of the coaches and staff for the inspiration that they continue to give our communities, and we are overwhelmed by the unprecedented eagerness of the young swimmers to learn”.
INFO SUPPLIED BY THE CITY
