Bermuda Olympic Association Celebrates Olympic Day
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The Bermuda Olympic Association marked international Olympic Day on Friday, June 23rd, 2017 with a special swimming event at the Aquatics Facility at the National Sports Centre.
Ben Smith, Aquatics Manager and National Coach of the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association, hosted 32 young swimmers at the National Pool. They were invited to learn new skills, compete in friendly racing, and showcase their abilities. Julian Fletcher, Olympian and five-time World Championship competitor, was on hand to provide tips, inspiration, and celebrate the spirit of Olympic Day with Bermuda’s young swimmers.
The International Olympic Committee launched Olympic Day in 1987 to promote participation in sport by men, women and children around the world, encouraging them to “Move, Learn and Discover.” National Olympic Committees worldwide host Olympic Day events annually to provide opportunities for the public to be active, learn about Olympic values and discover new sports, as well as provide the opportunity for young people to interact with their countries’ Olympic athletes.
Judy Simons, BOA President said, “We have to place more value on participation in sport among our young people, as it benefits not only the participants, but our entire community. Involvement in sports promotes fitness and a sense of personal achievement, as well as learning about teamwork and good sportsmanship. Olympic Day is great vehicle to showcase those positives, and I would like to thank Ben and Julian for assisting the BOA in organising this year’s events.”
Fletcher happy to give back
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Julian Fletcher has outlined how he is giving back to the local swimming programme.
The Olympian and five-times World Championships competitor participated in Olympic Day at the National Aquatics Facility yesterday, with 32 young swimmers benefiting from his experience in the sport.
Judy Simons and Brenda Dale, the president and vice president of the Bermuda Olympic Association, were also in attendance along with Ben Smith, the national swimming coach. Katura Horton-Perinchief, the island’s only Olympic diver, also attended.
“I come in as a part time coach to coach these youngsters and also came to the Nationals and helped out a little bit with some of the swimmers who were trying to reach qualifying times,” said the 26-year-old Fletcher, who retired as a competitive swimmer last year. “I’ve also helped some of the elite young athletes to achieve their international goals and reach the same levels of sport that I was at. A lot of it is about giving back.
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