Like ducks to water

Daryn Wood

FOR a young Motherwell schoolboy the dream of diving into the sea is more than a reality.
From someone who lives far from the beach and could not even doggy-paddle, 15-year-old Kamani Moni now braves the waves as he competes in the Ocean Racing Series at Hobie Beach in Summerstrand.
He is now competing in his third series.

Kamani’s interest in swimming was sparked when he happened to be at a swimming pool during a training session.
“I saw people swimming and it looked like fun. A lot of my friends swim and I now enjoy it very much,” said the David Livingston High School pupil, who lives “around the corner” from the Motherwell pool where he only learnt to swim in 2004.
“It was difficult learning to swim and I was scared of the deep end,” said Kamani, whose brother Elethu is also swimming in the series.
The two brothers train four days a week with 15 other youngsters in Motherwell. All are part of the Masakhane Future Stars Programme.
“The programme is a key component of the ocean racing series,” said race organiser Michael Zoetmulder.

He said it ensured historically disadvantaged youth are afforded the opportunity of taking part in competitive and high-profile water sport events.
“Youngsters from the local townships are identified and provided with assistance to take part in each of the race days within the series thanks to the support of local businesses,” said Zoetmulder.
The programme started in 2009 with more than 100 kids thanks to the support of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality. However it is no longer supported by the municipality, and with just one sponsor, numbers are down to less than 20 kids despite there being a massive township interest in open water swimming.
The Motherwell swimmers train at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre under coaches Xolani Hlazi and Pinkie Mbeki.
Many of the children, whose ages range between eight and 18, were scared of the water at first, said Mbeki. But once they start, they see that it is exciting.
The swimmers start off in the learn-to-swim programme where they are taught the basics and learn about water safety. Once the coaches see development, they will move the swimmers to the next level.
In the learning-to-swim phase, the coaches lead the children in a number of water-based activities and games to show them swimming can be fun.
“Some are faster learners than others,” said Mbeki.
“We are patient with the ones who are scared and we work on building their confidence. Many of the children struggled to get to where they are today.”
Mbeki and Hlazi visit schools in the area to find children who might be interested in swimming. Their main goal is to develop black swimmers who will take part in competitive events.
Interest in the sport is growing in Motherwell, said Mbeki, as the swimmers set an example to other children.
It also encourages the children to keep a routine, she said, and once they get involved they become very disciplined.
“Getting involved brings many opportunities for the swimmers such as getting to interact with other people and getting noticed for possible scholarships.”
“These guys (Motherwell swimmers) are great supporters of the ocean racing series,” said Zoetmulder. “They absolutely love it and are regulars.”
Swimmers like Kamani do not have the same opportunity as everyone else, he said.
Last season there was no water in the pools, so the only time spent in the water was on race day.
“They still finished. They do well despite the handicaps .”
The development swimmers do not own wetsuits which puts them at a disadvantage, said Zoetmulder. There is at least a 10% difference in speed, depending on the swimming ability, because of buoyancy offered by the suits, he said. They are also not accustomed to open water swimming.
“Swimming in the sea and in the pool is very different, given that you don’t have a black line to follow and no sides to hold onto. Open water swimming takes getting used to.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring the Motherwell swimmers can contact Pinkie on 083-598-7637.