The ManicaPost
Sports Correspondent
LACK of sponsorship is hindering progress of swimming as a sport in Manicaland.
This is evidenced by the presence of one swimming club in the province, Boarder Dolphins which has been running for over three decades.
In comparison to other provinces which have more than one club, Manicaland has suffered at provincial and national competitions as a result of not having large athletes’ representation at these competitions.
Boarder Dolphins Club coach, Eleni Fernandes, said lack of sponsorship was affecting the overall performances of the province at national competitions.
“As Border Dolphins Club, we do not have sponsorship. Manicaland has talented swimmers who can make it at the top. We are working hard on a developmental programme so that we can nature talent and carry the provincial flag high. While the club can prepare for competitions, some team members end up dropping citing financial constraints.
We are just coming from a national junior competition in Bulawayo where five of our participants dropped off due to financial constraints. We came fourth in the competition where six provinces took part. Failure to travel with enough number of participants forced us to use swimmers from other provinces for our relay teams,” she said. Boarder Dolphins Swimming Club was formed over 30 years ago with the aim of promoting the sport in the province.
It has been taking part in various national tournaments since its formation. The club has produced swimmers who have represented the nation in neighbouring countries.
The club’s head coach, Natalie Ratcliffe, said they were preparing to host a provincial tournament in October.
“This October, we will be hosting a tournament as Manicaland where other provinces will come and take part.
We hope to excel as we are working hard as a club. At the just-ended tournament, three of our children did very well.
They made it to the finals and in a number of events we had children as first and second alternates for the finals. We managed to team up with Mashonaland for the relays. Manicaland won two medals for relay,” she said.
