The ten-day swimming course lined up for Tanzanian coaches and referees have ended up successfully in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The course has been sanctioned by the Federation of International Swimming Associations (FINA) under German instructor Nottman Gerd.

Participants and the instructor depart today. The Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) technical director Marcelino Ngalioma said the instructor is leaving after concluding the two courses held at the International School of Tanganyika (IST).

He said while in the country, the Instructor conducted level 1 course for referees and level three courses for coaches.

Ngalioma said the two courses were aimed at empowering referees and coaches on modern techniques of the game.

Ngalioma said the courses were attended by 23 referees and 56 coaches from Zanzibar, Shinyanga, Kilimanjaro, Morogoro and Dar es Salaam.

“It was a life changing courses for our referees and coaches, it has opened their eyes as we hope swimming to improve in the country”, he said.

The German instructor said it takes more time to improve the game and also to groom swimmers who can strive for medals at global stage such as Olympics, Commonwealth and All African Games.

He urged TSA to embark on investing in young swimmers, and then improve swimming facilities in the country.

He also insisted young swimmers should be given the opportunity to further their education abroad where they will also improve their swimming career under well qualified coaches.

“It takes time to build a team which can win medals at high profile international games. For now you must invest much on the young and when they reach a certain age allow them to further their education abroad at schools where there are all swimming facilities. From there I believe they can challenge for medals at as top international competitions”, he concluded.