Dolphins Swim Team Withdraws From BASA

February 2, 2022

The Dolphins Swim Team “has taken the decision to withdraw from membership of the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association,” saying that “whilst we recognise that producing competitive athletes is important, we believe that a broad approach to good health, fitness, participation, and sportsmanship is vital.”

A spokesperson said, “The Dolphins Swim Team of Bermuda announces renewed focus on swimming through the life span and early-stage athlete development.

“Founded in 1996 by Barry Hanson, Bermuda’s Dolphin Swim Team [DST] exists to develop life-long swimmers. This goal makes the club distinctly different from its local counterparts. It attracts a healthy balance of traditional and non-traditional athletes.

“The largely volunteer-based programme helps to hone and develop the skills of amateurs of all ages, from children seven-years-old to college age and through to Masters’ swimming.

“A DST representative reported that the swim club has taken the decision to withdraw from membership of the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association [BASA], the sport’s National Sports Governing Body [NSGB].

“The DST’s focus is on “putting swimmers first”. Allocating volunteer resources to the NSGB has meant that for the last several years, too much time has been focused on the interests and promotion of a few athletes. Whilst we recognise that producing competitive athletes is important, we believe that a broad approach to good health, fitness, participation, and sportsmanship is vital.”

DST President Charmaine Smith said, “This move to re-prioritise and put more of our limited resources towards our mission and purpose, and coaching swimmers to the best of their ability”. Our interest in the development of swimmers who are of good character and who are resilient, qualities that last a lifetime, has led to the decision to withdraw DST’s membership from BASA.

“We can still offer our club members the opportunity to compete at local and international levels by registering them as individual competitors with BASA. we are committed to facilitate their full participation at all levels of competition as needed”.

Mrs. Smith adds, “We have a unique opportunity to steer local swimming forward in line with our philosophy and performance objectives.”

“The DST’s swimming programme continues to be led by Head Coach and Olympian swimmer, Victory Rubery, who is tasked with designing training programmes, improving swimmers’ technique and overseeing coach delivery and development. Rubery states that he is grateful for the continued support of the club’s coaches and a volunteer Executive Team,” a spokesperson added.

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