The Elderly Swim Programme which catered to 300 seniors, over the past 10 weeks, was an overwhelming success for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.
Minister Charles Griffith alluded to this as he addressed the closing ceremony and presentation of certificates for the programme, an initiative of the National Sports Council (NSC). It was facilitated by the National Conservation Commission (NCC) at Browne’s Beach, Bay Street, St. Michael.
Mr. Griffith congratulated the participants for completing the programme and also the NCC lifeguards who conducted the swim classes.
Assuring those gathered that Government was going to continue the programme since it was oversubscribed from the beginning, he said: “We are looking at restarting this programme October 17, and it will run for nine weeks. We want you to spread the word in relation to what you’ve experienced here in the swim programme. We’re going to make it grow and if we can utilise another location, to spread and advance this programme we will do that because we are aware of the pleasure that you would have experienced coming to the programme.”
Mr. Griffith added: “The Ministry will do whatever is necessary to make sure that our country remains moving, that you [seniors] are active, and it is not only the young ones that are in schools and track clubs, but we are looking at the complete population in terms of what we do at the Ministry of Sports.”
The Elderly Swim Programme, which started in December 2019, was formulated by the NCC, NSC, the Barbados Defence Force and the Barbados Coast Guard, as a recreation outlet for senior citizens. It was, however, halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of the NSC, Neil Murrell thanked those who gathered for participating in the programme. He noted that other programmes were available for seniors including dance, gaming and the senior games and still others were in “the pipeline”.
The Elderly Swim Programme is scheduled to recommence October 17, Monday and Wednesdays from 9.30 – 10.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. – noon and Saturdays from 3.00 – 4.00 p.m.