Young swimmers celebrate achievement

Thirty-five Rarotonga children were officially certified as capable swimmers last Wednesday when ANZ Tamariki Sports programme coach Ake Hosea-Winterflood put her pupils through their paces for the final day of the swim programme.

The four-week programme was a success with over 30 kids aged between four and 11 taking part in the weekly swimming lessons.

Proud parents watched as their little ones showed off their breast stroke and freestyle swimming skills in a mini race organised for the final lesson.

Hosea says she has been impressed with how quick the children have picked up the skills she has taught through the programme.

The swimming course also generated interest among schools on the island including Tereora College that are keen to have Hosea run swimming lessons.

It may come as a surprise to many but Hosea says that many Cook Islands children don’t actually know how to swim properly and it’s her goal to teach island children proper swimming techniques including safety in the water.

And after a thrilling swimming race – the newly certified swimmers were then let loose to have fun in the lagoon at the Social Centre beach in Nikao with the swimming noodles and kick boards proving a hit with the children.

Parents or schools interested in swimming lessons by Hosea can contact her on 24759 or 24681.

The next ANZ Tamariki Sports programme will head inland to the running track for athletics, which Hosea hopes to start next month.

Hosea and the newly certified swimmers would like to thank the programme’s major sponsor ANZ Bank for their continuous support of junior sports development on the island and for the gifts and prizes for the children.