Mentor, teach and inspire
As the national swim coach for Bermuda, I have seen first-hand how the saying "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child“ truly comes to life in the pool. Coaching goes beyond just teaching strokes and perfecting turns; it’s about being part of a community that nurtures, supports and guides young swimmers on their journey — not only in swimming but in life.
As a coach, I understand that not every athlete will perform the same. But as a leader in the community and as someone who genuinely cares about young people in Bermuda, I am even more clear that our youth come from an array of backgrounds and we have to be cognisant of that at all times. Like adults, our youth carry weights that most times we cannot see, but as elders, we cannot turn a blind eye. Instead, it is incumbent that we help them to find relief.
The pool becomes a place where young people are shaped not only by their coach but also by team-mates, parents and mentors, all contributing to their development.
In the world of swimming, success is not achieved by individual effort alone. Yes, swimming is a solo sport when you’re racing, but the preparation is deeply communal. Parents play a crucial role, from driving their children to early-morning practices to cheering them on at meets. They offer emotional support, helping young athletes cope with the highs and lows of competition. Their encouragement and dedication set the foundation for discipline and commitment.
Team-mates also form an integral part of the “village”. As much as they are competitors, they are also the closest support system for a swimmer. They push each other during practice, share tips and provide moral support, especially when there are disappointments in the lanes.
The camaraderie built among team-mates fosters resilience and teamwork, teaching swimmers the importance of collective strength.
As a coach, my role is to mentor, teach and inspire. I may set the structure, correct technique and help swimmers reach their goals, but I also lean on others to ensure each swimmer reaches their full potential. Parents, team-mates and even the broader swim community contribute by providing different forms of guidance, emotional care and feedback that complement my coaching efforts.
It’s not just about winning races; it’s about helping young people grow into well-rounded individuals. The discipline, perseverance and confidence they develop in the pool are carried into other aspects of their lives, and that development comes from the collective effort of the entire “village”.
The African proverb “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” speaks to a deep appreciation of the interconnected reality implicit in the growth and development of homo sapiens for millennia.
We are somewhat saddened by the reality of how humans have “progressed” to an extent that has led to a culture of “rugged individualism” and the resultant sense of isolation being widely experienced.
A collaboration of non-government and government stakeholders are working to restore that sense of community implicit in the proverb. In that regard, some local personalities are sharing their reflections on that wisdom.
There will be a “Village Gathering” staged today at Victor Scott Primary School from 4pm to 5.30pm.
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