The little torpedoes are primed and in the midst of their last few weeks of preparation for the CARIFTA swimming championships.
The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association’s junior swimming team will compete in Jamaica from 29 March to 4 April.
Eligible swimmers from the Camana Bay Aquatic Club and the Stingray Swim Club have been training hard. With the final qualifying meet – the Pete Ribbins Memorial Consolidated Water Meet, which ended on Sunday – behind them, the task before the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association committee and CARIFTA coaching staff was not an easy one.
Ian Armiger, technical director, said: “This year, we deliberately raised the bar in terms of qualifying standards and it was pleasing to see the swimmers respond so well, reset their goals and achieve the tougher qualifying times.
“CARIFTA is a development opportunity for our swimmers, but it’s also important that we look to make an impact at the competition and project a positive image for Cayman swimming,” he added. “With this team we undoubtedly have swimmers who can achieve lifetime bests, make finals and be on the podium. It’s exciting.”
Those representing the Cayman Islands at the XXV 2013 CARIFTA Swimming Championships include:
Girls 11-12: Ella Plunkett (SSC); Stefanie Boothe (SSC); Kavanagh Lambert (CBAC); Sarah Jackson (SSC); and Samantha Bailey (SSC)
Boys 11-12: Matthew Somerville (CBAC); Samuel Burnstein (CBAC); Eddie Weber (CBAC); and Alex Dakers (SSC).
Girls 13-14: Catriona MacRae (SSC); Isabella Tognazzo (CBAC); Lauren Hew
(CBAC); Ashley Theaker (SSC); and Katie Klein (SSC).
Boys 13-14: Cole Morgan (SSC)
Girls 15-17: Coral Tomascik (CBAC),
Boys 15-17: Geoffrey Butler (SSC), Kyle Fraser (SSC),
Ed Weber, amateur swimming association director and chairman of the representative team committee, said: “Selection of this year’s squad has been a truly collaborative effort, with the committee, coaches Katie Lambert and Andy Copley and Ian Armiger working very effectively together.
“It is a pleasure for us to identify these hardworking, committed athletes as those who will represent the Cayman Islands at the XXVII CARIFTA championships,” he added. “We wish them the best in their endeavours and hope for great success.”
With a potential maximum team size of 32 swimmers, the Cayman Islands is sending 18 swimmers – all of whom achieved elevated qualifying times.
“I would like to congratulate all of our swimmers,” said Minister of Sports Mark Scotland. “Swimming requires incredible commitment, discipline and focus and many early hours at the pool.
I want to acknowledge the fortitude of these young athletes and to thank their parents for the support and often referenced ‘swim taxi service’ which they provide. On behalf of the Ministry of Sports and the Cayman Islands Government we wish you all success in Jamaica.”
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