THE true character of Negrense coaches to take care of their fellow mentors are shown in times of difficulties like the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our swim coaches are really financially struggling since the Covid-19 pandemic began as most of them have no permanent jobs. Many, if not all, are just dependent on club honorariums or individual training,” said Cris Bancal of the Negros Coaches Association.

“Our swim community in Negros has taken initiatives to help the most affected swim coaches in the province by providing them rice and groceries. It’s because, not everyone was able to receive the Social Amelioration Program from the government,” he added.

Bancal said, “we are in uncertain time with a significant impact of Covid-19 globally as well as the delivery of large sporting events.”

At present, he added that the health, safety, and well-being of the swimming community is a priority thus they strictly followed government policies. “We have also lost the opportunity to bring honor to our province despite the preparation of our swimming delegation after the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet was canceled.”

“Right now, our swim coaches are facing bigger challenges on how they can maintain their athletes’ fitness as anytime soon things will return to normal,” Bancal said.

“Every day, everyone is checking the news for the latest update and advice from the government if swimming will be allowed to resume,” Bancal added.

“For the swimming community, I encourage them to ‘stay positive, find new hobbies that will keep them healthy while at the same time learning new challenging things. It’s nice to excel in something new. This is also the time for the parents to be the coach of their children by acquiring life-skills which can be beneficial for the survival of their children in the future,” he lamented.