Nelda Huggins given a push by a couple of new dolphin friends during a fun day organized by Jackie Weekes of Matrix and Dolphin Discovery at Prospect Reef. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The entire Huggins siblings, including Nelda and Kiarra, had a exciting time in the pool with the dolphins, a trip that Weekes intends repeating with the Territory's other sporting youths. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Kiarra holds on tight as two dolphins, which can reach speeds of 35km per hour, pull her across the pool at Prospect Reef's Dolphin Discovery. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Not many locals get to experience what hundreds if not thousands of tourists enjoy at Dolphin Discovery at Prospect Reef and even fewer athletes get to take time out from busy and intense training schedules to make a visit. However, on Sunday, whilst the sound of whistles was still heard, the shouted instructions were vastly different and the overwhelming atmosphere was one of fun and enjoyment.

Treated to a “Royal Swim” by Ms Weekes who is the founder of the Matrix, which coaches Volleyball to youngsters, Nelda confessed to being a little worried at the start, but that she, her sister Kiarra and their two brothers, thoroughly enjoyed the experience in the end.

“It was more fun than track practice,” exclaimed Nelda. “It was a little scary at first as I thought they were going to bite my hand, but it soon felt relaxed and normal.”

The Royal Swim features, apart from all the dolphins’ playful antics, a kiss, a dolphin hug and handshake. Then two dolphins will push you by your feet as you firmly hold a Superman position and using their power and strength raise you up the water surface. In addition, the interactive programme includes the Dorsal Tow, where you hold on to the dolphin’s dorsal fins as they rapidly swim across the water, towing you along for an exciting ride.

Dolphins can reach speeds of up to 35 kilometers per hour and that equates to a sub 10 second 100m dash!

Not surprisingly then, Nelda said she enjoyed the Dolphin Push the best of all the day’s activities and she made a tremendous splash after being thrown high into the air at the end of her run. “That was the best, I loved that!”

Ms Weekes plans many more such trips for other youths in the Territory. “Being a founder of an academy, dealing with youths, I just wanted to find away to give back and help the youths experience something different. Nelda will be off to Russia soon for the World Youths and it’s a good way to help her relax and get away from the pressure of running track.”

Weekes, through her association with Dolphin Discovery, plans on many more days like this for other youngsters and already has plans on bringing Sharonda Pickering and Danielle Selkridge to experience the same joy and excitement as the Huggins family.

As for the Matrix Volleyball Coaching, that is set to return to the Multi Purpose Sports Complex in the next few days. “We closed over Easter,” noted Weeks. “New sponsors are coming on board and we will be looking to get youngsters aged 10-18 involved in the sport of Volleyball."

Given the agility and speed of the dolphins, perhaps the Matrix needs to sign a couple of them up as well!