For many years now women from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Community have been keen to have women’s only swimming sessions. Since the closure of the Govanhill Swimming Baths this need has become much greater across the City.
In 2010 the Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association (SEMSA) in partnership with Glasgow Sports Equalities team began working on this initiative.
Now in 2012 SEMSA and Glasgow Life are able to offer women’s only swimming sessions, lead by female only swim teachers and lifeguards with the sessions taking place in a safe and enclosed environment.
At present there are three sessions in the city:
Session 1:
Venue: Holyrood Secondary School
Day: Sunday
Time: 8.45am – 9.45am
Frequency: Weekly
Participants: Adult 16 + ‘Learn to Swim’ (Beginner)
Session 2:
Venue: St Brides Primary School
Day: Tuesday
Time: 5pm – 6pm
Frequency: Weekly
Participants: Children 7 – 12 years old ‘Learn to Swim’ (Beginner)
Session 3:
Venue: St Brides Primary School
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Frequency: Weekly
Participants Children 7 – 12 years old (Improvers)
“We are really over the moon with these sessions. Our needs were heard and understood and respected by the Equalities team. A culturally sensitive swimming programme is a dream come true….Thank you” – Asma Shaikh – Parent and Volunteer for Al Meezan community project.
All three session are fully booked and have been running successfully to date. The programme has proven to be very popular and both SEMSA and Glasgow Sport (Equalities) have secured lets for the New Year to continue the sessions with a view to implementing more sessions throughout the year.
For more information please contact the Equalities team on:
0141 287 3754