Quality swimmers are getting scarce<\/p>\n
From Koran Tempo<\/p>\n
Having observed the achievements of Indonesian swimmers now,
\nI, as a sports lover, have reason to feel deeply worried.<\/p>\n
The Southeast Asia (SEA) Games are in the offing and we have
\nto be aware of the fact that we have not seen senior swimmers
\nbeing usurped by their junior \"brothers\".<\/p>\n
These little brothers are expected to become swimmers of the
\nnext generation in defending Indonesia's contingent taking part
\nin SEA Games events.<\/p>\n
With Richard Sam Bera, Albert and Felix Susanto participating
\nin the National Swimming Competition held on May 10 to May 12,
\n2001, it was hoped that the three prominent swimmers were able to
\nboost the spirits of younger swimmers. The competition, however,
\nwas more a barometer indicating how difficult it is to find their
\nreplacements.<\/p>\n
As they are engaged in a measurable sport, we should let them
\njoin in such competitions until we have better swimmers. Remember
\nAlexander Popov -- a 30-year-old, world class swimmer who still
\nmade accomplishments at the Olympic Games?<\/p>\n
The scarcity of quality swimmers in Indonesia now may be
\nattributed to the elimination of swimming courses from the
\nelementary and secondary school curricula.<\/p>\n
In the 1970's, there was a swimming course for the final exams
\n(now the National Final Stage Examination). This activity made
\nparents encourage their children to swim well and the positive
\nresults of which were that our country was able to produce good
\nswimmers for the SEA Games.<\/p>\n
If we observe this phenomenon, wouldn't it be better for the
\nIndonesian National Sports Council and other related institutions
\nto include swimming courses as part of the curriculum? At least
\nthere are some advantages: students become healthy, have less
\nchance of \"getting to know\" drugs, or being involved in brawls
\nand other harmful activities.<\/p>\n
May this simple suggestion become a reality.<\/p>\n
HERU PURWANTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/quality-swimmers-are-getting-scarce-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }