Working with local partner Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and national partners Scottish Disability Sport and Scottish Swimming, GOGA in Fife has made a strong commitment over the three years of the programme to providing learn to swim opportunities for adult learners and adult improvers with additional support needs. Recreational swimming was one of three core activities set up by Scottish Disability Sport at the launch of the GOGA programme and Fife has retained its commitment to all three core activities.
Supported by Spirit of 2012, the GOGA in Fife adult improvers sessions atMichael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre, Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre andCowdenbeath Leisure Centre in particular are flourishing with new members signing up on a regular basis. Teachers Kathy, Lynsey, Kirsteen, Gabby plus pool side peer mentor volunteers have had major roles to play in the success of the programme. Significant others from families, voluntary organisations and Health and Social Care have been critical to the programme’s success.
Discussions are ongoing about the future of all adult learners/improvers sessions established during the life of GOGA but partners DSF and FSLT are confident that all continue throughout 2020 and beyond. Funding is in place for 80% of the programme with the final fifth to be negotiated shortly.
Thanks to support from Spirit of 2012 through GOGA, Speedo aqua mitts have been purchased for the improvers sessions and what a hit they are. Learners are on a breast stroke programme at the moment and the mitts are helping enormously with technique work.
Sessions participants with additional support needs proudly display their new swimming mitts earlier today in Glenrothes. Thank you once again Spirit of 2012.
Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees.