Video: Local Diving Promoted By Olympians
Three prominent members of the diving community are working to promote the sport in Bermuda, with diving coach Terry Faulkenberry, American Olympic medalist Scott Donie and Bermuda Olympic diver Katura Horton Perinchief, speaking at the National Aquatics Centre about the many benefits of sport diving.
Helping to increase the opportunities for young people to enter the sport in Bermuda is Ms. Horton Perinchief’s upcoming diving camp for children aged 5-14, set to begin on July 7, 2014.
From left to right: Scott Donie, Katura Horton Perinchief, and Terry Faulkenberry
Mr. Donie, a 1992 Olympic silver medalist who currently coaches at New York University, said, “Diving is a fantastic sport for kids of all ages; I got involved when I was eight years old and it completely changed my life. Having access to a world class facility like you guys have here on the island is something that you really need to take advantage of.
“I’ve had the opportunity to compete in two Olympics; in 1992, I won the silver medal in the 10 metre platform, and in 1996 I competed on the three metre springboard.
“I can tell you that growing up and even to this day, I’ve always had a fear of heights but, despite that, I was able to become one of the best 10 metre platform divers in the world. So it just goes to show you that this is the kind of sport that can really help you transform yourself and overcome your fears.”
Scott Donie diving during the 1992 Olympics:
Ms. Horton Perinchief — the only female diver from Bermuda to make an Olympic appearance and the first black woman from any nation to compete in Olympic diving — said, “My Olympic experience was life-changing – and not just the Olympics, but diving as a whole, as a sport. It funded my university education and gave me the opportunity to travel the world representing Bermuda, and it’s been such an honour and a blessing to be able to do so.
“What’s especially nice about this summer is that I’m able to run a summer day camp; I’m doing it half-day, Monday through Friday, starting July 7. For more information you can call me at 234-6592 or email stardivingbda@gmail.com. My camp will be for ages 5-14, as long as they can swim about 10 metres.
“It’s a sport that really should appeal to everybody and we’re really excited to have a world class facility at our fingertips.”
Mr. Faulkenberry said, “If you enjoy risk-taking and you enjoy athletic ability, then diving is a perfect outlet for you because it does allow you to take some risks; when you overcome that – anything you that you encounter that’s unknown, there’s a fear factor in there – diving actually trains you in how to deal with that and how to overcome that.”
Scott Donie, Katura Horton Perinchief, and Terry Faulkenberry on diving in Bermuda:
For more information about the diving camps please email stardivingbda@gmail.com
