Olympic Day celebrated in Cayman Islands

(CIOC): The Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC) celebrated their 40 Year Anniversary this past Sunday, 23 June, in conjunction with Olympic Day. The CIOC was established in 1973 and was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1976.  From the beginning as a small developing association, undertaking but a few tasks, it has now developed to a body representative of 29 member-sports (21 of which are Olympic), with significant undertakings both at home and abroad. The CIOC selects, organises and sends national teams to represent the Cayman Islands to all multi-sport Games; assists the member associations, athletes and coaches in sport development through international funding and fundraising efforts; and promotes Olympism across the Cayman Islands.

Olympic Day was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal was to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.  On 23 June, Olympic Day is celebrated all around the world: hundreds of thousands of people – young and old – get moving and participate in sporting activities.  Over the last two decades, the event has helped to spread the Olympic ideals to every corner of the world.

This year, Olympic Day in the Cayman Islands was celebrated with a full day of events held at Public Beach.  Eleven National Sporting Organisations came out to host amazing showcases and we thank their hardworking volunteers and athletes for making the day as successful as it was.

The day began with a 7-loop ride, organized by the Cayman Islands Cycling Association (CICA) at 9am; the cyclists began near the new Public Beach parking lot, headed on West Bay Road, looped through Lime Tree Bay Ave. and completed the loop back around on the bypass. 

The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) came out with over 50 kids who participate in the Maples Grassroot Programme to practice on the new addition of the Public Beach. 

The Cayman Islands Golf Association (CIGA) and the Cayman Islands Rugby Football Union (CRFU) both held open participation which allowed the public to learn more about their sport. 

The Cayman Islands Amateur Boxing Association (CIABA) held an impressive demonstration by the National Team, followed by drills where the public was able to take part. 

The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) organised a short loop in which members of the Executive, the Technical Director for Swimming and young swimmers took part. 

The Cayman Islands Sailing Club had an entertaining out-and-back loop in which past Olympians competed against young Olympic hopefuls. 

The Cayman Islands Beach Volleyball National Teams played entertaining matches with a mix of men and women and The Cayman Islands Gymnastics Association (CIGA) finished off the day with a display of exercises from children of all ages, including their parkour training group.

170 participants came out to complete the 3.1 mile loop course, representing 18 countries.  There were many who were decked out in colourful attire, carrying their country flags and celebrating in the spirit of Olympism.

Dominic Corbin held a big lead as he finished first with an impressive 17:01 for the victory.  Evans Simiyu took 2nd place in 18:59 minutes and Samuel young claiming the final men's podium spot in 19:07.

Laura Knox finished 13th overall and was the fastest lady of the day, crossing the line in 21:51, while Kerryann Simpson clocked a time of 26:05 minutes for 2nd and Jenni Bradwell was the 3rd female with a 26:32 posting.

All finishers received goodie bags upon completion of the loop, including event shirts and certificates of participation.  Each participant was given complimentary refreshments, fruits, ice cream and an opportunity for random prizes.

The organizers wish to thank the many volunteers, participants and local donors of the many random offerings.

Individual results of the 5K Run/Walk may be viewed here:

In addition to the National Sporting Organisation who made this day possible, the CIOC wishes to thank the Department of Sports, DMS Broadcasting, and Calico Jack's for all of their assistance. A special thanks to The Red Cross for having a big presence on the day; Derek Larner, who went above and beyond to make the 5K possible; Andy Bonner of CaymanActive for the online registration and continuous management of the CIOC Website; and Craig Merren who continued to assist the CIOC throughout the day.

Another thank you to all of the gracious local businesses who made donations for the 5K raffle prizes and gift bag coupons: The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, The Westin Hotel Grand Cayman, The Brasserie, Priced Right, Casanova's, Dolce Vita, Red Sail Sports, Duke's Seafood & Ribs Shack, Agua, Grand Old House, Al La Kebab, Pirate's Den (PD's), Papa John's, Guy Harvey Gallery and Shoppe Store, Calypso Grill, Smoothie King and the Tortuga Rum Company.

See photos on the CIOC website and Facebook page.