CLOSE TO 50 YOUNG BENEFICIARIES FROM THE SOUTH EAST DISTRICT PARTICIPATE IN SWIM CLINIC WITH TEAM SINGAPORE ATHLETES

The young beneficiaries, aged between 6 and 14 years old, were taught the fundamentals of building water confidence by Team Singapore athlete Zackery Tay, who recently broke the national record in the men’s 200m backstroke at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup (Singapore Leg), as well as by SEA Games medallists Nur Marina Chan and Ashley Lim.

Associate Professor Kenneth Goh, President of SAQ, said: “Singapore Aquatics and our athletes are incredibly fortunate to be part of a very strong and supportive aquatics community that stands behind our mission to make Singapore a world-class aquatics nation with every Singaporean a swimmer. Our athletes understand the power of community, and they are honoured to help inspire the next generation not only through their sporting achievements, but also by actively sharing their knowledge, encouragement, and support too.” Organised in partnership with South East Community Development Council (South East CDC) and SportsCares, the Empowering Lives Through Aquatics – Learn-to-Swim is a free programme that leverages the national water safety syllabus, SwimSafer, to equip children from vulnerable backgrounds with water survival and swimming competency skills.

First launched in June 2023, beneficiaries have been selected from three social purpose entities based in the South East District, namely Filos Community Services, The Hut Limited, and Social Service Office @ Geylang Serai. Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman, Mayor of South East District, said: “Over the past two years, this partnership has equipped 80 vulnerable children with essential water safety skills. Beyond swimming, this initiative builds confidence, promotes health, and creates opportunities. Each stroke these children take represents a step towards a more resilient community and hopefully, inspires future sporting aspirations.”

The swim clinic marked the conclusion of a 24-session programme for the young beneficiaries, which encourages participants to develop confidence and independence in the water by learning general and deep-end water safety. To mark this achievement, each participant received a certificate from South East CDC’s District Councillor Ms Cheryl Chen, SAQ’s President Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh, and SAQ’s Vice-President of Partnerships Mr Ow Yong Weng Leong.

Ten of the young beneficiaries also swam shoulder-to-shoulder with Team Singapore athletes Quah Jing Wen, Ardi Azman, Abielle Yeo and Artyom Lukasevits at the SAFRA Swim for Hope 2024 event held on 27 October 2024. A portion of the proceeds raised at the charity event will be channelled towards the Empowering Lives Through Aquatics – Learn-to-Swim programme.

In addition, Singapore Aquatics’ partners have lent their support to the programme, with sports brand TYR providing all beneficiaries with swimming gear, while Singapore Sports Hub has facilitated weekly training sessions, conducted by Torpedo Swim School, at the OCBC Aquatics Centre. Some of the young beneficiaries also attended the recent World Aquatics Swimming World Cup (Singapore Leg), headlined by Olympic champions Leon Marchand and Kate Douglass, as well as Team Singapore’s Commonwealth Games silver medallist Teong Tzen Wei.

Assoc Prof Goh added: “The Empowering Lives Through Aquatics – Learn-to-Swim programme is a cornerstone of our efforts to make aquatics accessible to all, particularly to those from vulnerable  backgrounds. Our aim is to develop a future where everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive in and enjoy the water. It’s our privilege to play a role in this journey, fostering a love for aquatics that unites communities.”

By bridging resources and inspiring a new generation, Singapore Aquatics is nurturing a future where every Singaporean can feel confident and engaged in the water, contributing to a stronger, healthier community.