Minister backs proposed swimming academy

The Lautoka Seals Swim Club could register with the Higher Education Commission as part of a proposed initiative to build a long-term partnership with the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA).

Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru said the proposal opens up opportunities for Fiji in coach education and aquatic development.

“Through the proposed Seals Swim Club Academy, Fiji can become a hub for ongoing coach education and aquatic development,” Saukuru said.

He said the sport plays an important role in shaping young people, adding that swimming instils discipline, purpose, confidence and promotes healthy lifestyles.

“Engaging our young people in structured sporting activities helps them stay focused on positive goals and reduces their exposure to negative influences and distractions,” Saukuru said.

“I firmly believe that Fiji has the potential to become a regional hub for the study and development of the science of competitive swimming.

“Through partnerships like this, we can position ourselves as leaders in aquatic education, coaching excellence, athlete development and sports science within the Pacific region.”

Seals Swim Club founder Nina Naivalu said this is the first time ASCA has reached out to the Oceania region to promote the science of competitive swimming.

ASCA international director Chad Onken said the organisation would continue its engagement through its international director, and confirmed he would be running coaching clinic.

The South Seas Club stated in a release that it has invested heavily in its aquatic centre, where swimming lessons for schools have become increasingly popular, with more schools participating.

The club stated the facility is the only one of its kind in Lautoka and hopes to host national championships and competitions in the coming months.

The club’s trustees said further upgrades will continue not only at the aquatic centre but also to function and hall hire facilities, with the aim of making it a leading entertainment venue in Lautoka. “The ASCA clinic is just one of many more such clinics that will be held at the club to improve swimming and water safety awareness in the community.

“In the absence of other pools available to the community in Lautoka, South Seas Club will continue to provide facilities to the people of the Sugar City,” stated the release.