Twenty-five boxes of swimsuits and swim gear arrived in Grenada this week with the help of the Sandals Foundation.
Sandals Grenada, in support of a campaign mounted by Grenada Youth Adventurers (GYA) to buy over a thousand swimsuits for Grenadian children, played a vital role in getting the donations to Grenada from the United States.
As GYA faced the challenge, a call was made to Deleon Forrester, Public Relations Manager, Sandals Grenada and Sandals Foundation Ambassador with a plea for help.
The quick and helpful response of “Yes” was met with overwhelming gratitude from those involved. Forrester said “We are always happy to support the “Get Grenada Swimming” programme and its effort to teach lifesaving skills to children here on the island. Our sponsorship of curriculum development strengthens the capacity of swim instructors and the provision of these swimsuits will encourage more Grenadian children to get out and swim.”
‘Get Grenada Swimming’, an NGO is incredibly grateful to the Sandals Foundation for providing the needed transport to Grenada and clearing all the items, saving hundreds of dollars.
The swimsuits and gear will be distributed through the Saturday free lesson programs and organizations in need may contact Deb Eastwood at 404-5237 or debeastwood@gmail.com.
In addition to the swim gear, some lifeguarding equipment, very much needed, was also transported.
The organisation started in 2017 with an initiative to teach 8,000 children to swim over a period of five years; the NGO will achieve its target next year, despite the slowdown in lessons as a result of the coronavirus.
Although school programs have not started back up, there are nine locations giving free community swim lessons on Saturdays with several more to come back on board in January. They invite children and adults alike to attend.
Bathway 9 am – 11 am -David/Linda Wright 442-0495 (Will start back up in January)
Birchgrove, at Mello’s Complex: 9 am with Lovell Alexander 416-1226
St. Davids, Grenada Marine, Corinth 9-11 am at, Catherine John 458-3474
Grand Anse 9-11 am in front of Umbrellas – Deb Eastwood 404-5237
Grand Mal 10 am-12 pm in front of the Go Cool Steps – Camme Roberts 417-8399
Gouyave 10 am-12 pm in front of fish market – Sharm Ashton – 421-6702
Waltham Beach 2 pm – 4pm – Korah Ashby 410-0208
Sauteurs Break Water 9 am-10 am – Damani Bruno 410-2394
Petite Martinique 1-2 pm, Sundays 2-3 pm Erine Benjamin 421-9383
Please go to www.getgrenadaswimming for more information.
