Olympic size pool takes priority for swim executives

Newly elected President of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Association, Dominique Patterson, has put the acquisition of an olympic size pool as his organisation’s top priority.

Patterson sees this achievement more in the medium to long term, rather than immediate.{{more}}

Taking a realistic stance, Patterson acknowledged the facility will be ‘costly’ but achievable.

The association partially submerged for some time, recently held its election at Roy’s Inn.

Ready to face the challenge of the sport, Patterson said that in the interim , his executive will be encouraging the establishment of swimming clubs.

At present, there are two such clubs, Vincy Sharks and Ricky’s swimming school. These clubs operate using the facilities of private establishments.

This, Patterson said has been the case since the sport took off in the 1990’s and will play a pivotal role in its revival.

A lack of direction for the sport; because of frustration of not having proper facilities has forced many of the early pioneers to quit, causing a lull in participation on the sub regional circuit .

An attempt was made last year to resuscitate swimming, but was short-lived. A few persons including out-going president Godfrey Alexander, held on to the life line for love of the sport, until a few weeks ago when a full fledged executive was put in place.

The new executive was heralded in by the reception of some much needed equipment.

The association is now the custodian of two stop watches, 10 kick boards, 10 hand paddles, 10 pull buoys and a clock, among other equipment.

Apart from Patterson, the rest of the executive is made up of Andre Codougan Vice President ,Lucy Theobalds-Treasurer, Ynolde Lawerence- Secretary ,with Julia Richardson,Gillian Griffith, Aldith Waldrond and Paul Velox as committee members.

Apart from getting the sport back on the national calendar,the new executive is endeavoring to reclaim its status as a force among the OECS countries.