The Foundation of Goodness Sports Academy in Seenigama recently hosted a remarkable swimming camp, offering young rural athletes the opportunity to learn from some of Sri Lanka’s top national swimmers. Organised by Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA), this inspiring initiative brought their Elite Group swimmers, many of whom are current members of the Sri Lankan National Team, to share their expertise.
An Inspiring Morning of Training
The camp kicked off with a two-hour training session led by the KWA Elite Group swimmers from 6 – 8 am. As these national athletes powered through their rigorous drills and honed their techniques, young swimmers from the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) eagerly watched, eyes wide with admiration. For many, this was their first time witnessing such high-level training up close and it proved to be an inspiring experience. Seeing Sri Lanka’s best swimmers in action at their very own pool instilled a sense of possibility and motivation in these young athletes who are often deprived of such exposure due to the challenges faced in rural areas.
A Prestigious Coaching Opportunity
What made this camp even more special was the presence of two of Sri Lanka’s most renowned swimmersKyle and Matthew Abeysinghe. Known across the country and internationally for their achievements in the pool, including representing Sri Lanka at the Olympics, the brothers personally led the training and coaching sessions. For the children of Seenigama, many of whom had never even seen this level of professional training before, it was an extraordinary and memorable experience. To be coached by swimmers of such high calibre was not only a rare honour but also a powerful motivator that reinforced the belief that they too can aim for excellence, regardless of where they come from.
Bridging the Gap Between Urban and Rural Sports Training
For children in rural areas like Seenigama, access to professional training, quality equipment and the chance to interact with national-level athletes is extremely rare. The swimming camp held at the Foundation of Goodness aimed to address this disparity. Too often, rural youth miss out on opportunities that are readily available to their urban counterparts, particularly when it comes to sports development. KWA’s initiative, which provided both technical training and inspiration, was a significant step in bridging this gap.
A Hands-On Coaching Experience
After the national team’s training session, the camp transitioned into a hands-on coaching clinic for the young athletes. The KWA Elite swimmers, along with their coaches, worked closely with the children, offering practical tips, advice and encouragement. For many of the participants, this was a life-changing experience, getting personalised guidance from the very best in the country is a rare privilege, especially for those in rural areas where professional coaching is often inaccessible.
New Equipment, New Possibilities
Adding to the excitement of the day, Killer Whale Aquatics generously donated 30 snorkel sets to the swimmers. This gesture opened up new learning opportunities for the young athletes, many of whom had never used snorkelling equipment before. The KWA team patiently guided them through the basics, teaching them how to use the gear and build confidence in the water.
For these rural children, this donation was more than just new equipment, it was the key to unlocking further skills and possibilities in the world of swimming.
KWA’s swimming camp left an indelible mark on the participants. By bringing professional training and inspiration to the heart of rural Sri Lanka, the event improved their swimming skills and also gave them the confidence to dream big. These young athletes now know that with the right guidance and hard work, they too can make a splash on the national stage. Thank you to Killer Whale Aquatics for their dedication and generosity in empowering the next generation of swimmers. Your efforts are truly helping to bridge the gap between rural and urban sports training, giving these young athletes the tools they need to succeed
