Big turnout at Eswatini’s inaugural water games

MBABANE – At least 150 participated in Eswatini Water Games Association (ESWAGA) inaugural event yesterday. This is apart from representatives of stakeholders including the Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Health, Scuba divers in the police department and World Vision. The hills of Annadale Primary School, Waterford Park in Mbabane witnessed this event expected to be held annually. Eswatini Seals Swim Academy hosted the kingdom’s first water games aimed at reducing the risks of drowning.

Children from the age of four years old engaged in swimming activities such as freestyle and kickboard race. They were assisted by Eswatini Seals Academy’s three coaches. These were Bongani ‘Rabokeng’ Magongo, Mnelisi Dlamini and Njabulo Masuku.

Eswatini Seals Swim Academy Head Coach and ESWAGA Director Sam Oyelakun applauded the turnout. “The figures were excellent for a first event. Everybody was happy. They are already looking forward to another event. This shows that the drowning prevention was properly driven,” he said.

Meanwhile, the director further spoke on behalf of Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) Secretary General (SG) Nozipho Mahlalela, who commended the academy for this initiative. “We support any and every work done that encourages water awareness and safety, at the same time making our children aware that water is our friend. ESA commends schools that have already joined ESWAGA and look forward to working closely with Seals to role out this programme countrywide and hopefully reaching the areas that are mostly affected by drowning,” her speech said.

Earlier reports suggested that 90 athletes were anticipated to be part of the event, representing 12 schools. ESWAGA aims to address the alarming rates of drowning mortality in Eswatini, as flagged by the World Health Organisation.

Stakeholders such as the police and the scuba diving team are expected to join this event. The event was not just a typical swimming competition but a vital initiative promoting water safety and drowning prevention.

(More reports in next publication)

(Pics: Ntombikayise Gwebu) Swimmers demonstrating basics of the sport while some parents excitedly watch proceedings.

Some ‘fish’ wrestling with water during the kickboard race event.

Youngest athlete Asavela Mkhonta (4), a Grade 0 pupil at Lechwelight Primary School could not miss out on Eswatini’s first water games event.