KUALA LUMPUR – More than 700 children nationwide are targeted to participate in the Basic Sports Training Skills Swim (KLAS Swim) programme, which was launched by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh here today.
Officiated at Swim Splash Academy, Taman Kepong, KLAS: Swim was initiated by the Youth and Sports Ministry to expose children to basic swimming techniques.
In a statement, the ministry said it initiated the programme to reduce cases of deaths due to drowning involving children, with the support of Swimmers and Swimming Coaches of Malaysia Association and strategic partners Allianz Malaysia Bhd and Nestle Products Sdn Bhd.
“It is a free-entry programme specifically for children from B40 families aged 6 to 12 years.
“The objective of the programme is to expose participants to the correct swimming methods and techniques, increase participants’ water confidence, and cultivate healthy and active lifestyles through swimming activities,” read the statement.
There are 18 districts from eight states where KLAS Swim will be held, including Setiawangsa, Cheras, Petaling, Gombak, Hulu Langat, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Kuching.
The swimming programme will also be held in Kuching, Kota Baru, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Johor Baru, Muar, Segamat, Kuantan, and Bentong.
The ministry will consider the current heat wave phenomenon when organising the programme, which will focus on several preventive measures.
The measures include conducting the programme in closed facilities, as well as the provision of rest and recovery time for participants and coaches. – The Vibes, May 13, 2023
