Germiston boys learn to swim and paddle
“Hopefully, we can also uncover Germiston’s next Dusi gold medallist or Olympic sprint hopeful” - VLC canoeing chairperson Wayne Saunders.
The Canoeing Section at Victoria Lake Club (VLC) has recently started a Swim to Paddle initiative aimed at reaching out to youngsters from the surrounding Germiston schools who have never had the opportunity to learn how to swim or canoe and allowed them to learn the sport and life skill.
VLC canoeing chairperson Wayne Saunders said local canoeing legend and Dusi gold medallist Loveday Zondi, national-level swimming coach Richard Wade and VLC Canoeing coach Richard Cele have taught the youngsters how to swim in the lake.
“The coach charges a minimal fee to cover his costs, each swimmer is sponsored by a VLC member for a six-week basic swimming and water safety course, for our adopt a swimmer initiative. Swimming as an essential life skill, and this is an awesome community initiative,” said Saunders.
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Saunders added this initiative is supportive of Canoeing South Africa’s commitment to building an inclusive sport, accessible to all, which starts with developing an understanding of water safety and being able to swim.
“Starting in October, the first group of six eager youngsters have progressed exceptionally well over these last six weeks.
“Their newly acquired basic swimming skills and water safety awareness has created the opportunity for each of them to be introduced to canoeing.”
Saunders said although this is still early days, what makes this initiative great is it is all community-driven.
“We are fortunate enough to have access to a top accredited swimming coach and two ICF-accredited canoeing coaches who are prepared to give back to the community.
“Thanks to the generous support of the coaches for helping to make this VLC Canoeing initiative possible.
“It has been wonderful to witness the change in water confidence and overall enthusiasm these youngsters have shown and we look forward to this growth as we attract more local youngsters who can benefit from this opportunity.
“Hopefully, we can also uncover Germiston’s next Dusi gold medallist or Olympic sprint hopeful,” said Saunders.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
