Lumbini Vidyalaya and Badrawathie Vidyalaya Narahenpita were the schools to attend the swimming campaigns at the Police Swimming pool, Narahenpita on Tuesday.

This learn to swim campaign which is organised by Milinda Moragoda Institute with a view to produce swimmers who can compete at the National schools championship.

Boys and girls turned up to learn to swim from three qualified coaches who taught the most enthusiasts the basics associated with the first day of training.

Almost all these boys and girls are seeing a swimming pool for the first time since these schools are of less fortunate status to even think of introducing the sport in the school.

Lumbini Vidyalaya Principal J. G. Amarajeewa told "Daily Mirror" that the school tried to introduce the sport to the children two years ago but failed as the students could not pay fees of around Rs 700/= monthly.

"This programme is free of charge and it is a good move by Milinda Moragoda Institute to start such a meritorious deed of producing swimmers with the future in mind," said Amarajeewa.

The boys and girls from the school were very enthusiastic about getting ahead of learning and was seen rushing to the pool in swimming kits provided by the Institution.

Principal of Badrawathie Vidyalaya, Narahenpita Mr. M. A. S. Perera said that this provided a good opportunity to their students to learn swimming and even get into a real pool. Some of them have seen a pool only on television and were very happy to get into a real pool.

The Principal said that the school and parents cannot afford to send their children for swimming lessons privately.

It was encouraging to see the Principals of both school being present in person to watch the proceedings on the first day. This will give the students more enthusiasm to learn the sport and improve.

It was only their first day in the pool and out of about 50 children about three were seen swimming a few feet on their own.