Swim clubs keep competition close at sprint meet
(CNS Local Life): The Lions Sprint Meet, held Saturday, 18 May, once again attracted swimmers of all levels and ages with the final results a close one-two finish between Stingray Swim Club (SSC), earning 323 points, and Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) tallying 312 points. Stingray head coach David Pursley said of the event: “The Lions meet is a very unique experience in that it is a complete community event that allows free participation for everyone.
“The meet hosted athletes from teams in Grand Cayman, a team from the Brac, special Olympians, those just finishing learn-to-swim and Cayman’s top athletes. The Lions meet brings together every level and inspires the youngest swimmers. The development of swimming in Cayman depends on meets such as these.”
Along with SSC and CBAC, also participating were representatives of Seven Mile Swimmers (SMS), Darren Mew Sports & Fitness, Cayman Sporty Kidz Team and the Brac Barracudas. Races included 100m individual medley as well as 50m and 25m sprints for each stroke.
On behalf of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman, Michael Havlin, chair of the swim committee, spoke of the Lions continued commitment to supporting swimming in the Cayman Islands. “The Lions Sprint Meet is an important part of the annual activities schedule devoted to the youth of the Cayman Islands, and it comes immediately after a successful meet at the new 25m pool on Cayman Brac,” he said. “The Brac Barracudas joined the swim community in Grand Cayman for the meet, providing spectators with a competitive and entertaining event.”
Noting the years-long partnership with Stingray Swim Club, Havlin congratulated them and the other teams, “on their continued successes both in the pool here in Cayman and overseas”. He also expressed gratitude for the “close relationship with the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association, with whom the Lions work in supporting efforts to build a new Aquatic Centre.” He added that the centre, which will house a 50m pool, “would certainly see the meet become even more successful in the future”.
Seven Mile Swimmers took third place overall with 137 points. High Points honours were girls: 6&Under Teagan Marr, CBAC; 7-8 Tessa Danter, CBAC; 9-10 Sierrah Broadbelt, SMS; 11-12 Lila Higgo, CBAC; 13-14 Kyra Rabess, SSC and 15&Over, Alison Jackson, SSC; and boys: 6&Under Zaiden Rankin, CBAC; 7-8 Chase Watson, SSC; 9-10 Jack Clark-Terrell, SSC; 11-12 Connor Macdonald, CBAC; 13-14 Stefano Bonait, CBAC and 15&Over, Liam Henry, SSC.
“This meet was fun, but it was something more important for our swimmers,” said Pursley. “Our senior swimmers buddied up with younger swimmers, supporting them with navigating the meet, making their races on time and encouraging and supporting them after their races. It provided the younger swimmers with support and encouragment; while the older swimmers developed leadership and mentoring skills with the club’s younger swimmers. Each swimmer grows individually – and the club grows as a team.”
Category: Local News, Sports, Swimming
