The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Sports Correspondent
ASPIRING swimmers in Rusape are set to benefit immensely from the renovation of the main pool by the local authority amid pronouncement by local swimming enthusiast and coach Patience Chasakara to assist in the revival of the sport by offering professional training.
Swimming was one of the popular sporting genres in the town alongside football, rugby, cricket and tennis but sunk into oblivion due to various factors.
Chasakara said she is ready to revive the sport.
In an interview with Post Sport, Chasakara said she saw it fit to revive the sport in town and unearth raw and idle talent that is lacking proper facilities and training.
She added that swimming in Rusape collapsed due to the closure of several swimming pools.
Chasakara, a certified life saver further commended Rusape Town Council, which is at the advanced stage of completing the renovations of the swimming bath saying this is step in the right direction that will make the sport be accessible to everyone interested.
“I have a huge interest in swimming since years back and I saw it proper to assist upcoming swimmers in the town. We have talented swimmers here but they were just lacking proper modern coaching techniques and swimming pools.
“Swimming was so popular here although it was mainly for the affluent and we want to take it back where it used to be. Since I started offering swimming lessons late last year there has been overwhelming response especially from well to do families but this year we will also be encouraging everyone to come on board and enjoy swimming.
“We are not in this for money but its passion for this beautiful sport. We want to produce another Kirsty Coventry and it is possible if swimmers get proper training from a tender age. So far we have 50 swimmers we are working with starting at three years of age and above. We have started the process of registering a swimming club so that our swimmers partake in national, regional and international tournaments,” said Chasakara.
