Despite training without a full-sized pool in the West, Lautoka swimmers are entering this year’s National Schools Swimming Championships with growing confidence and belief.
Led by Seal’s Swimming Club head coach Nina Naivalu, the western side has spent months preparing in a 25-metre pool while their Suva rivals train in 100 m and 50 m facilities.
But rather than viewing it as a disadvantage, Naivalu believes the challenge has made her swimmers mentally stronger.
“Just looking at how desperate the kids are,” she said.
“They come in in numbers and they want to swim. Not only do they want to swim, but they are also eager to match up with the clubs here in Suva.”
The Lautoka contingent includes swimmers from Tilak High School, Central College Lautoka, Jasper Williams High School, Lautoka Primary School, St Thomas Primary and several other western schools under the Seal’s swimming programme.
Naivalu said excitement around swimmers in the West continues to grow despite limited facilities.
“We don’t have a pool, but we are grateful to have the 25m pool that was given to us by South Seas Club,” she said.
“That’s the only qualified proper 25m pool we have in the West.”
According to Naivalu, the increasing interest from parents and students has been one of the biggest positives heading into the competition.
“The amazing thing is, numbers are just increasing day to day,” she said.
“When we said we’ve capped off the numbers of swimmers going to Suva, they kept coming because they want to swim.”
The competition is set to take place today until tomorrow at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre.
