Swimming needs more support

Reference is made to Maurice M. Gruppetta's article 'Swimming and the National Pool' (January 4).

Unfortunately, time cannot be turned backwards otherwise I would have loved inviting Mr Gruppetta to the last swim meet which Jesmond Dalli had referred to in another contribution (December 27).

The delays mentioned were so unbelievable that at times swimmers dressed and undressed twice before going on the start block. I was not only present for the meeting but also performing as one of the back-up timekeepers, wearing a padded winter jacket and having blue hands while the swimmers of whatever age were shivering in the cold.

This is not a personal parental remark of Mr Dalli or myself - this is a fact which was witnessed by everybody on the day!

I think before sending a reply like that, which I see as unjust on all young swimmers present that day, the executive chairman of the National Pool Complex should have informed himself well.

I am sorry to say so since I really acknowledge any effort to boost the sport. Since the time trials are leading to a big competition and elementary to the effort of the national team there should be some more concern than just shifting of blame.

Being a foreigner myself, I admire the national team and all those attached to the clubs with all my heart. Ask any German or Dutch national swimmer, or even those at high level clubs, to regularly compete or train in conditions like those at Tal-Qroqq and they would just walk away and laugh.

Obviously, for a short training camp sunny Malta might do though hardly any foreign teams show up between December and February.

I acknowledge that we are a small nation but as Mr Dalli rightly said the conditions are the first which have to be improved and, moreover, kept up.

Presently nothing of that can be seen. Last month, there was another article listing some other shortcomings but until the Christmas holidays no reaction could have been seen.

No continental national team swimmer would train at 6 a.m. (getting out of bed at 5 a.m., having a parent to drive him/her to the pool), go to school with wet hair, cope with studies, practise again in the afternoon and return home in the dark, again with wet hair, just to do the same the following morning.

Lack of funds?

The water might have the officially right temperature but what about the surrounding environment?

National team members in most countries are supported in every part of their effort, even in school. The latest equipment is made available. They are the pride of their country and should rightly be so.

I would not like to go into all details since I am very sure that Mr Gruppetta himself deep in his heart must know about all this.

I know the problem of funds is not only present at the National Pool and with the sport of swimming alone, it is also visible in other disciplines.

But more funds are needed and I think this is the root of the problem.

If we want to improve we have to find a way how to support the sport by attracting more sponsors. Parents are doing their part, purchasing all apparel and paying the fees but this is clearly not enough.