SSC helping young swimmers find fins

With the clock ticking toward the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau, the topnotch aquanauts of the Saipan Swim Club have a little more on their plate than readying for international competition, as they are busy preparing the next generation of swimmers for the life aquatic.

Since Monday, June 13, the SSC has utilized the experienced athletes in its program to offer the aspiring sea-goers ages four and above the American Red Cross swimming lessons at the Kan Pacific Pool in Marpi.

The kids have been jumping into the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool in Marpi for their hourlong lessons promptly at 7am, as they did again this morning, and even the youngsters appreciate the benefits of the lessons.

“They’re great. They are a good learning experience,” said James Camacho.

Camacho has been taking the Level IV lessons with his brother Daniel, Michi Tenorio, and Jacob Flores, and they all agree that they enjoy the course and are getting good workouts.

“It’s been good. It’s a smaller group because we’ve had developmental lessons all year long. We used to do this just once a year, so it used to be real popular, and it still is, but with yearlong classes it isn’t as crowded now,” said SSC coach Michael Stewart.

One of the reasons that the newcomers are taking to the program like fish to water is because they can relate to their instructors. The disciplined swimmers of the SSC are not so much older than their little protégés, but they are taking on the roles of mentors to their fellow minors.

“They’re good instructors. Our kids really enjoy teaching, and this is their opportunity to give back and to work with younger kids to help them out and to become older swimmers, hopefully,” he said.

The coach explained a pleasant side-effect of his swimmers training the next generation of waterborne racers is that they get a feel for the rigors of coaching themselves.

“The kids say that it’s easier for them to listen to me now after teaching the lessons,” he said.

Those who graduate all of the eight level courses get the opportunity to become a part of the developmental squad, where they can spend anywhere between four to six months honing their skills before earning a spot on the swim team.

In addition to teaching people the fundamentals, the SSC is offering an all-new training group for kids who wish to use swimming as a vehicle to maintain a level of physical fitness as opposed to a form of competition.

Beginning last June 13, the White Team practiced for an hour Mondays through Thursdays starting at 2:30pm. The cost to train under the watchful eye of the SSC will be $30 per month.

For more information about any of the SSC’s programs or to register for the classes, contact SSC coach Michael Stewart by calling 322-9474 or via email at swimsaipan@hotmail.com. Be sure to leave information, or e-mail child’s name, age, level, and return phone number.