Persaud pleased with international participation
President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Ivan Persaud, has expressed satisfaction with the increased number of local swimmers participating internationally.
Looking back at last year’s performance Persaud said: “We made sure our participation level at every swim meet has increased.
“Now we have around 200 swimmers who are competitive in Guyana and this is helping grow the sport.”
Persaud said that his association needed the NSC to help promote the sport.
“The National Sports Commission (NSC) programmes in the Easter and Summer breaks have continuously been packed every year,” he said adding…”The NSC needs to spread their wings into Berbice, Linden and Essequibo so that we could get more participation in swimming.”
Persaud pointed out that local swimmers did well at the Goodwill Games, CARIFTA Games, South American Games and the World Championships.
On the local scene, the body has held regular meets with educational clinics, assistance in Joint Services Sports, National Schools Championships and inter-house tournaments.
He said Guyana’s presence on the international scene was commended by the international swimming bodies.
The former NSC chairman singled out the good performance of Andrew Fowler which has earned him a scholarship to study in the United States adding that he was optimistic about the prospects of having more swimmers do the same.
Persaud was also enthusiastic of his vision to have the younger swimmers medal at CARIFTA, a tournament Guyana has only managed three medals in the discipline so far.
Persaud said his association had consistently overcome the hurdles holding back the development of swimming.
The association also held elections last year where Only Persuade and another member were returned to the executive. He commended the past executives for their effort in making swimming grow and for showing enthusiasm for the new body.
Persaud stated that the swimming fraternity was not without divisions but he said he has not allowed the divisiveness to obstruct the association’s drive for the betterment and the safety of the swimmers.
He said 2019 is to be a year of inclusion adding that at the national level every club will be involved.