Luanda - The Vice-President of the Republic, Bornito de Sousa, on Friday in Luanda, encouraged the board of the Angolan Swimming Federation (FAN) to develop the sport for people with disabilities, as part of its project "swimming for all".
Speaking to the press during a visit to the FAN headquarters, he considered it to be a priority issue as it would give the federation project a comprehensive and inclusive sense.
The programme, whose aim is to reduce deaths from drowning in seas, rivers, lakes, ponds and pools, will be launched in May in the provinces of Luanda, Huambo and Benguela.
After receiving detailed explanations about the federation actions, Bornito de Sousa also suggested the launch of swimming programmes for babies, with a view to preventing deaths from drowning in the early stages of life.
The also university professor advised to take the "swimming for all" around the CAFU project, in Bié province, which aims to minimise deaths by asphyxiation in those ditches made to combat drought in the region.
On the recent participation of the National Team in the African Zone IV Championship, held in Zambia, the official was pleased with the results.
In the continental competition, Angola won nine medals, two of which were gold, three silver and four bronze, achieving 12th position in the general classification.
However, he suggested a better use of legal means of financing to allow a better fulfilment of the development plans, citing as an example the Patronage Law.
He characterised swimming as one of the most complete sports. However, he believes that it needs to be better publicised by the media, just like other sports such as roller hockey.
