Roy-Allan Burch spent last week giving back to the sport of swimming after making several visits to schools on his return trip to Bermuda.

After putting on a show at the BASA pool at last weekend’s Schroders Spring Championships, setting two national records, the North Carolina-based athlete spent the next few days speaking to students as well as conducting coaching sessions.

Burch, a two-times Olympian, visited Sandys Middle School for morning assembly last week and urged the students to invest in themselves as they pursue their dreams.

“They all have potential but they must commit in order to reach it,” Burch said.

He also visited Somerset Primary, Purvis Primary, Prospect Primary and West Pembroke Primary, spreading his message of motivation and hard work.

“It was nice to see how eager the students were to hear my message and it was good to see that they all have dreams they would like to fulfil,” Burch added.

Burch said that, having enjoyed the opportunity to travel the world and experience different cultures, including the level of poverty in many places, it was important for Island’s youngsters to know how fortunate they were to live in Bermuda.

“More importantly they should not take for granted the opportunities that are in front of them,” Burch said. “We have the talent we need to commit to the work.

“Even if you fall short of your goal, it is the journey to reach the goal that is important. Every day is an opportunity to learn.”

Ben Smith, the Bermuda coach, praised Burch for sharing his knowledge with the Island’s youngsters.

“I’m proud of Roy’s accomplishments in the pool and this week showed growth as a person, which is even more important,” Smith said.

“He knows his importance to the sport in Bermuda and he realises that he carries a responsibility to pass on what he is learning to the next generation, not just swimmers but the youth in general.