Swimming coach Diego Kahlari has been chosen to participate in this year’s American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) World Clinic next month in the USA.
Hosted in Reno, Nevada, United States of America, from September 2 to 5, the event brings together top swimming coaches, including the legendary Bob Bowman.
Kahlari, owner of the Infinity Aquatic Centre, will be in attendance alongside Bowman, who is due to arrive in the country today.
Talking to New Era yesterday before his trip, Kahlari said it is a significant opportunity for him to represent Namibia at such a prestigious event.
He expressed hope to make the most of the opportunity and learn as much as he can.
“Having the chance to learn from leaders like Joel, who plays a key role in shaping athlete and coach development across the United States, is an incredible honour,” Kahlari said.
He stated that the trip will not just be a huge networking opportunity, but he hopes to come back with new methods, tools and programmes that can have a direct impact on Namibia’s swimming ecosystem.
“This trip holds great significance. It’s a chance to explore new programmes and updated teaching methodologies that we can bring back to Namibia to improve our own swimming instruction. Namibia is rich with untapped swimming talent. To unlock it, we must continuously learn and evolve,” he said.
He remarked that he is honoured to represent Namibia at the global event, seeking to gain valuable insights, connect with others and secure resources to help grow the sport back home.
“A sincere thank you to the Sisa Namandje Foundation, Parkview Medical Centre, Diagnolab, Afrimed, Talindje Investments, Ompagona Fishing Company, HeamaHealth Inc. and the Infinity Aquatic family for making this journey possible.
“Your support is helping shape the future of Namibian swimming. This is enormous, and I hope I will open doors for more aspiring coaches to take up such opportunities in the future,” he said.
The annual event is considered one of the most prestigious gatherings in global swimming, bringing together some of the sport’s most influential figures.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na