The flagship initiative of Swimmers Club Belgaum and Aquarius Swim Club Belgaum, the 23rd Free Swimming Coaching Camp for differently-abled and underprivileged children, was inaugurated by Dr. Shivaji Kaganikar (renowned water conservationist) and Shri Ramesh Gangoor (Chairman & Managing Director, Engineers Computer Academy). The event was graced by Smt. Lata Kittur (President, Swimmers Club Belgaum), Shri Umesh Kalghatgi (Program Director), and Shri Sudhir Kusane (KSA Member & Secretary, Swimmers Club Belgaum) at the KLE Suvarna JNMC Swimming Pool, JNMC Campus, Belagavi.
Conducted in association with KLE Society, Belagavi, this 21-day camp continues to receive enthusiastic participation and strong support from differently-abled and underprivileged children.
This year, over 200 children, including those who are physically handicapped, visually impaired, intellectually challenged, deaf and mute, as well as underprivileged, are taking part. The most talented participants will be selected for advanced competitive training throughout the year, receiving systematic and scientific coaching to prepare for national and international competitions. More than 20 swimming coaches and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that the camp runs smoothly and effectively.
Over the past 23 years, this initiative has benefited more than 5,000 differently-abled and underprivileged children. Participants have been provided with free transportation, a swimming kit, daily nutrition, and comprehensive training at no cost.
A testament to the camp’s success, nine swimmers who began their journey here have gone on to represent India in international competitions, winning a total of 60 international medals. Additionally, hundreds of swimmers have competed at the national and state levels, collectively securing over 1,000 medals. Some notable achievers include Raghvendra Anavekar, Rajesh Shinde, Moin Junnedi, Umesh Khade, Shridhar Malagi, Simran Gaundalkar, Aatish Jadhav, Sahil Jadhav, Sumit Mutagekar, Prajwal Narlekar, Pruthvi Narlekar, and Aniket Pilankar, among many others.
This noble initiative is made possible with the generous support of Jaybharat Foundation (Belagavi), SLK Group (Bengaluru), and The Allied Founders Pvt. Ltd (Belagavi).