08th September 2016 Friday 9 September is an exciting day for Tongan Services teams who have taken part in the TSAA (Tonga Swimming & Aquatic Association) 10 week swimming program. This is the day they will come together to put their new skills to the test against each other in a friendly competition.
Members of Police, Fire, Prisons, Army and Navy have been taking part in a TSAA ten week swim program. This initiative came about when TSAA Officers Rochelle Fineanganofo and Lesley Vick were looking at ways to get more people in the water. Services are known for their fitness and so the idea was born – get them into the water and so encourage communities, families and kids to learn to swim.
The program started with about 100 participants; many of whom could not swim. Over 8 weeks they undertook water safety, survival and swim instruction. All four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly) were taught. Week nine was trial races in preparation for the inaugural Swimming Championship.
“The idea of swimming 50metres, being timed and having to touch the wall at the end was very strange at first. But some fantastic results were achieved ready for the ultimate competition,” says Rochelle Fineanganofo.
It is anticipated that this will become an annual event.
“This is a great opportunity for the services to come together in a fun but competitive way. We are also excited to have ladies and gentlemen participating in a range of events from a kicking race to a 200metres freestyle event.”
The program is kindly hosted by the Masefield Naval facility.
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Issued by the: Tonga Police