Durban’s oldest swim club launches new clubhouse

The oldest aquatics club in Durban recently launched its new clubhouse.

OTTO Aquatics, the oldest aquatics club in Durban, launched its new clubhouse at the Balkumar Singh Swimming Pool in Asherville recently.

Celebrating the milestone, current members gathered with past swimmers, coaches and administrators, with representatives from eThekwini Muncipality’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture and the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation.

The clubhouse was built and equipped through funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, and was made possible through the support of the Municipality, who agreed on facilities at the swimming pool being altered for this venture. Mr Gopaul Pillay, manager of Aquatics Safety from eThekwini was a guest of honour at the function, and expressed his commitment to developing community based aquatics, and hoped that through these endeavours, future champions will emerge from disadvantaged communities.

Otto Aacquated has been based at the Asherville pool since its formation in 1964. It played a tremendous role in the history of the non-racial sports movement, with members like Morgan Naidoo, Vasi Nair and Dharma Nair being counted among its own.

It produced world class swimmers in the 60s and 70s, who did not get the opportunity to represent South Africa internationally because of apartheid policies. Nevertheless, its longtime coach from the 70s, Mr Param Naidoo rose through the ranks to become an assistant coach to the Beijing Olympics, while Jace Naidoo, a former swimmer became Swimming South Africa’s longest serving president from 2004 to 2016.

Mr Anil Sewpersad, current chair of the club, while recognising the history, said: “This clubhouse represents the club’s future. We have a proud past, but now we have an opportunity to provide the youngsters from our community to enjoy facilities expected at more affluent suburbs. We have no doubt that we will return to the days of producing national champions.”

Through the support of the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation, the club also received additional equipment which will be used to increase membership and improve the competitive abilities of its young members. Mr Jay Mannikam, director of Club Support at KZN DSR, was pleased to know that the club was actively pursuing the objectives of the DSR through its various schools initiatives. The club has commenced school based learn-to-swim programmes with several schools in the community and with VN Naik School for the Deaf.

Otto Aquatics kicks off its summer season programme on Monday, 3 October at 5.30pm at the SM Jhavery School. All old and new members interested in joining the club are asked to report to the pool.

Contact the gala secretary, Mr Avesh Jaganath on 079 509 9399, coaching co-ordinator, Ms Khathija Rajah on 072 431 6795, or email: admin@ottoaquatics.co.za.

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