Sierra Leone Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo Association Trains and Certify 15 Level-1 Coaches

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson – (AR-Wilson)

The Sierra Leone Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo Association in collaboration with its Northern Region Executive have ended an intensive three-day level-one Coaches clinic for fifteen Physical and Health Education Teachers in Makeni.

The clinic which provided for fifteen Physical and Health Education Teachers from various schools in the Northern region were gathered in Makeni from 1^st – 3^rd December, 2019 at the 4^th Infantry Brigade Headquarters situated at Teko Barracks in Makeni and at the Wusum Hotel swimming pool where they receive theoretical and practical swimming, diving and waterpolo trainings respectively.

Head Coach, Sheku Conteh and Technical Director, Victor Carew were both trainers of the three-day coaching course. Trainees were introduced to various basic knowledge, techniques and benefits of swimming, diving and waterpolo sports and how they should scout, encourage, coach and develop their school pupils to embrace the sport.

Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Alusine Conteh, who teaches at FAWE Secondary School in Makeni expressed great delight for taking part in the three-day clinic. He disclosed that: “I have learnt new ideas and for the first time in my life swum with different styles during the practical at Wusum hotel swimming pool, which had stir the spirit in me for me to scout, encourage, coach and help to develop my pupils when I return to school after this course and I can affirm that my colleague trainees will do the same” he said with excitement.

“This is a dream come true for me to train Physical and Health Education Teachers who are Specialists in various sporting discipline. It’s clear all over from the outstanding performances, commitments they have made and the smiles on their faces as Teacher-Coaches, we’ve trained them well and our hopes are now high they can return to their various schools as proud and determine coaches to help raise the sport” said one of the trainer of the course Sheku Conteh, who also doubles as a swimming, diving and waterpolo National coach for Sierra Leone.

Strong commitment to monitor the trainees’ progress upon their return in their various schools and the national association’s continued support to its regional bodies was made by Mohamed Turay, the National Secretary of the Sierra Leone Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo Association on behalf of the association at the end of the training.

“Now that you have been trained as coaches we are encouraging you all to go and set up your swimming clubs and register with the Association to authenticate your membership to help build this lucrative sport” he conclusively appeals.

The clinic was climaxed with awarding of certificates and distribution of swimming caps to the fifteen Teachers trained by members of both the national and northern region executives of the association.