The Sierra Swimming, Diving and Water Polo Association has, on Friday September 18 2020, given relief support to twenty (20) swimmers. The relief items include rice, cash money and hand sanitizers.
Each of the 20 swimmers, in the senior and junior male and female categories, was given a 50kg bag of rice, two hundred thousand Leones, one mask and one hand sanitizer.
In his statement at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown, the Association’s President, Rev. George Spilsbury-Williams, said the fund came from the World Swimming governing body, FINA, to assist swimmers during the COVID-19 crisis in the world.
“We made the request to FINA that our athletes have been directly and indirectly affected during the COVID-19 crisis and that some of the parents and guardians of these swimmers have lost their jobs. He added that those doing business are getting low sales in their businesses, but we thank God that they have not lost any member during the Coronavirus crisis,” he said.
He added: “FINA has always been with us to develop swimming. This little gesture will upkeep, give strength and courage you the swimmers to continue with your individual training while awaiting the ban on sporting activities to be lifted,” Rev. Spilsbury-Williams stated.
He also commended FINA for using some of the monies for competitions to take care of the welfare of the athletes. According to him, an athlete dead or sick will not take part in any active competition. He admonished the swimmers that these monies are coming from people who want to see swimming develop and as such they should take their trainings serious. He said he wants them to appreciate the little they are receiving that day and let it be something to motivate them.
Back home, he told them to extend their message to their parents or guardians, that they do not only want them to do swimming but they also care about their welfare.
The twenty swimmers thanked the executive and assured them that they will fight hard to lift the flag of Sierra Leone high in all international competitions.
Male swimmer, John Wyse, expressed thanks and appreciation to the executive for the unflinching supports toward them the athletes and that the donation is very timely.
Female swimmer Elizabeth Kamara told Night Watch Sports that the donation will not only serve as a motivation to them but it will also boost their families during these trying times. He said that they will always be grateful to the executive of the Association.