Team Cayman in good shape for regional swimming games

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association is sending 21 young swimmers to Barbados in April to compete in the XXX 2015 CARIFTA Swimming Championships. Bailey Weathers, CIASA’s Technical Director, said it has already been an exciting season for many local swimmers. “We have seen an incredible amount of improvement and success, and we are expecting more great swims as well at CARIFTA,” he added.

The team was selected this week following a national swim meet and the final qualifying events. Based on a review of qualifying times, athletes’ compliance with training and eligibility requirements, coaches made a recommendation to CIASA and the team was ratified by the CIASA board.

Swimmers who will represent the Cayman Islands at the XXX 2015 CARIFTA Swimming Championships are as follows:

• Girls 11-12: Sabine Ellison (CBAC), Alison Jackson (SSC), Emily Link (CBAC), Zororo Mutomba (SSC), Ria Plunkett (SSC) and Holly Stradling (CBAC).
• Boys 11-12: Jordan Crooks (SSC) and Zachary Moore (SSC)
• Girls 13-14: Samantha Bailey (SSC), Stefanie Boothe (SSC), Sarah Jackson (SSC) and Ella Plunkett (SSC)
• Boys 13-14: John Bodden (SSC), Matthew Somerville (CBAC) and Eddie Weber (CBAC)
• Girls 15-17: Lauren Hew (CBAC) and Catriona MacRae (SSC)
• Boys 15-17: Rory Barrett (CBAC), Jonathan Key (SSC), Iain McCallum (SSC) and Cole Morgan (SSC)

Michael Lockwood, CIASA President, said the qualification times were announced in September and swimmers were required to achieve a minimum of two qualification times but there were some outstanding results. With veteran CARIFTA swimmers such as Lauren Hew, Catriona MacRae, Cole Morgan and Iain McCallum on the team, the three first time competitors will have good mentors in their team mates.

Congratulating the swimmers, Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden said, “Swimming requires incredible commitment, discipline and focus … and many early hours at the pool. I also want to thank our athletes’ 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 Barbados.”

The CARIFTA team travelling to Barbados will include Head Coach Bailey Weathers, and a (still to be confirmed) assistant team manager.

Note: SSC – Stingray Swim Club and CBAC – Camana Bay Aquatic Club.

CARIFTA Team 2015, with Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden and Asst Chief Officer Joel Francis