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| Alvin, Cherupushpam House, Karumadi, Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha |
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At an age when other children would hide behind the hem of their mother’s dress than venture into the river for a bath or swim, 3-year-old Alvin is different. From the age of 2, swimming in the river has been the favourite hobby of this born-swimmer.
After his father went to Saudi Arabia to take up employment, his wife went to her house, Cherupushpam at Karumadi, Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, situated adjacent to the river. It was here that he learned the rudiments of swimming all by himself.
When his mother Jolly would go to the riverside for washing, he would accompany her. Without disturbing her, he would enter the water and enjoy a splash. At first he used to gulp lot of water but that did not create any fear or aversion in him. Within 2 weeks he started swimming. Diving with the eyes wide open, staying under-water for a long time, crossing the canal and the river, swimming and recovering floating things from the river etc are his pastimes.
With graceful strokes of his limbs he can swim 65m without feeling tired. Alvin’s feat is already being recognized internationally and he is the recipient of the ‘Swimming Prodigee’ award given by the American Academy of Empowerment.
Courtesy: Jayakumar Pandala (text), Rocky George (photo), Vanitha, November 1-14, 2002
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