Swimming lessons, which begin in the summer months, can become a lasting skill for children with the right training. Avni Cankurt, Director of the Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool, emphasizes that children should definitely start swimming with experienced coaches, noting that inexperienced training can lead to lasting fears.
The Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool, the only Olympic-sized pool in Northern Cyprus, is in service of professional swimmers and continues to introduce children of all ages to swimming through its swimming courses. Through disciplined instruction led by expert coaches, children gain a strong technical foundation and start swimming at a young age.
Avni Cankurt, Director and swimming coach of the Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool, emphasizes that children should definitely start swimming under guidance of experienced coaches, noting that inexperienced training can lead to lasting fears. Cankurt said, “The child’s sense of confidence, the instructor’s approach, and proper guidance are the most critical parts of this process. Thus, it is crucial to start your children on their swimming journey with knowledgeable, experienced coaches.”
Uninterrupted swimming 12 months a year, courses for all ages and levels!
Cankurt explained that swimming courses at the Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool are offered in groups for all ages and levels, starting at age 3. Cankurt stated that younger groups are taught water adaptation and play-based training, while older students are taught technical skills for swimming. Emphasizing that they are available year-round, Cankurt stated that participants can enjoy a safe and tailored training process with group or one-on-one private lessons. Cankurt also emphasized that the facility, which has a capacity of 1,000 spectators, supports athletes’ physical, social, and mental development with social areas and rehabilitation programs.
We’re strengthening children’s connection to water.
Cankurt stated that they are working to make swimming at the Near East University Olympic Swimming Pool not just a sport but a fun and enriching habit for children. “Swimming not only supports physical development, but also develops discipline, self-confidence, and coordination skills.”, he said. Cankurt also pointed out that children’s basic sports skills develop up to age 12. “After this period, children gradually shift their focus to a specific branch. The real physical development and performance gains begin after age 15.” However, Cankurt noted that this process is often mismanaged in our country. “It’s not right to immediately consider a child who starts sports at age 6 as an athlete in that branch. Unfortunately, when they reach the age where they can fully benefit, children are often drawn away from sports and directed solely towards education. However, the two can go hand in hand.”
Journeys that begin as hobbies or health purposes are crowned with medals.
Avni Cankurt, who has been coaching at Near East University for 16 years, not only ensures that children and adults learn to swim safely and enjoyably but also trains the successful athletes of the future. Avni Cankurt stated that the systematic training conducted at the facility has produced swimmers who have achieved significant success in Turkey, and that many children who started at a young age simply as a hobby or for health reasons have now become medal-winning, record-breaking athletes. Cankurt, who trains athletes for the Turkish National Team at the Near East University Swimming Club, also emphasized that they work hard with the goal of leading them to international success.
