Jamaican Olympian, world record holder and world champion Alia Atkinson is encouraging corporate Jamaica to come on board and provide sponsorship for swimmers who wish to participate in her four-day intensive swim clinic at the UWI Mona Pool, from December 19-22.

The AA Swim Clinic Programme will focus on important swimming techniques, drills, dives, turns, gear, dry land training, nutrition, motivation, and everything it takes to be successful as an athlete and student.

Atkinson noted that at the recent prep/primary and high school/tertiary institutions swim meets several records were broken, and, according to the Olympian, this augurs well for the future of the sport.

“In order to get more development in the sport of swimming, we need to incorporate the entire country and its patrons,” she said.

At the moment, Atkinson is asking for sponsorship to help inner-city children learn how to swim, be proficient in the water, and learn vital water safety skills as well.

“I appeal to corporate Jamaica to assist these swimmers, all of whom could represent Jamaica in the future. I know there are swimmers who wish to participate, but financial challenges are preventing them from doing so,” said Atkinson.

This year’s clinic will have Timothy Wynter, 2016 Jamaican Olympian and National Record holder as special coach. He attends the University of Southern California and is a backstroke and freestyle specialist.

There will be three sessions daily and only 20 swimmers will be accommodated in each session, thus allowing the coaches to give their full attention with a one to 10 ratio. The AA Swim Clinic will cater to three groups:

1 Prep/primary-age children, 11 years old and younger. The only requirement is that the swimmer can independently swim 25 metres in at least one stroke.

2 Swimmers 12 years and older who wish to learn more about the strokes and perfect their own stroke and skill sets.

3 Collegiate level and national swimmers. They will receive in-depth analysis on stroke technique, kicks, pulls and overall efficiency in the pool.

For further details on the AA Swim Clinic, including cost, visit: aaswim.eventbrite.com.