THE President of the Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association, Eddie Hazell recently joined the International Swimming Federation Family (FINA) as they gathered in Lausanne (SUI) for the celebration of FINA’s 110th anniversary and the official inauguration of the new FINA Headquarters.
Also invited to attend were IOC members and other sports dignitaries.
There was the ribbon cutting by Fina President Dr Julio C Maglione and other official dignitaries.
It was noted at the ceremony that for the first time, FINA owns its Headquarters and the inauguration in the Olympic Capital is a testimony of its growth and sustainability. Dr Julio noted Fina is a leading International Federation in a very competitive sport environment.
Eddie Hazell expressed his gratitude to Fina for the invitation. He also took the opportunity to present Saint Lucia’s Five Year Aquatic Development Plan to FINA’s President at the opening of the new FINA headquarters.
The plan in its wholesomeness was voluntarily developed by Yasmin Tyson, the Aquatics Development Officer and the Administrative Vice President-Paula James of the SLASA.
As part of the development plan, SLASA primarily conducted and concluded a swimming training orientation for some 47 individuals, some of whom were teachers, community leaders and other interested persons. These persons will join other trained ambassadors whose objective is to sell the National Learn to Swim Programme, dubbed “Najé Sent Lisi”, to the rest of the island.
Also worthy of mention is the procurement of equipment which will be used in the roll out of “Najé Sent Lisi”.
The other major endeavor of the SLASA is to establish a swimming hub in the community of Carielle which will be accessible through the Association,by schools and the general public.
Hazell also advised that the association is still in talks with interested stakeholders whom the organization is hoping will come on board to make the sport of swimming in Saint Lucia a Sport for ALL. SLASA intends to unveil the entire programme in September 2018.
The Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association wishes FINA Happy 110th Anniversary.