Features Uncategorized Swimming program a major success Barbados Today28/09/20220160 views A few of the participants that were part of the just concluded swim program put on by the NSC and NCC. By Morissa Lindsay The annual swim program conducted by the National Sports Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Conservation Commission for the past ten weeks has been deemed a resounding success by the organizers. This highly recommended program geared towards the elderly attracted a total of three hundred and five participants of all ages and was held three times a week at Brownes Beach under the supervision of qualified NCC swim instructors. During the closing ceremony held this past weekend, participants as old as 90-years-old were awarded certificates for completing the course which was greatly appreciated by the elders, many of whom looked forward to the sessions. Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, spoke highly of the organization of the swim program and praised all who helped to make it a reality. Minister Griffith informed those gathered that the program will recommence from Monday, October 17th to Saturday, December 17th which was met with loud applause. Fellow Member of Parliament and Minister of the Environment, National Beautification and the Blue and Green Economy, Adrian Forde, said he was happy to be associated with such a healthy initiative that was beneficial to persons of all walks of life. Meanwhile, Director at the NSC Neil Murrell stated that he was overwhelmed by the response and liked what he saw. Chairman of the NCC Lorenzo Harewood also shared the same sentiments as Murrell and expressed gratitude to the entire team for making the program possible. A number of participants also made presentations to the NCC swim instructors and showed their appreciation for their commitment to the task. Coordinator Adrian Donovan applauded head instructor Rawle Eversley for working beyond the call of duty and in fact called out all the instructors in a show of appreciation. Those present at the fun filled closing ceremony heard from participant Leroy ‘Georgie’ Straker who composed a special poem called ‘That Beach is Mine’. Ninety-year-old Erma Mayers said she learnt a lot about being able to float and couldn’t wait until the program resumes again in October. morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb