Cayman’s junior CARIFTA team selected

(CIASA): The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association has announced the Junior Swimming Team which will travel to Kingston, Jamaica March 29-April 4 to compete in the XXVII 2013 CARIFTA Swimming Championships. Eligible swimmers from Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) and Stingray Swim Club (SSC) have been training hard and with the final qualifying meet – the Pete Ribbins Memorial Consolidated Water Meet which ended on Sunday February 24th – behind them, the task before the CIASA Representative Team 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.” He added: “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. With this team we undoubtedly have swimmers who can achieve lifetime bests, make finals and be on the podium…it’s exciting.”

Swimmers who will be representing the Cayman Islands at the XXV 2013 CARIFTA Swimming Championships are:
– 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, CIASA Director and Chairman of the Representative Team Committee (The Representative Team Committee – RTC – is a sub-committee of CIASA which deals with matters relating to the representation of the Cayman Islands at international aquatic competitions) was delighted with the news.

“Selection of this year’s squad has been a truly collaborative effort, with the RTC, Coaches Katie Lambert and Andy Copley, and our Technical Director, 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 and Cayman Swimming at the XXVII CARIFTA championships. We wish them the best in their endeavors and hope for great success.”

With a potential maximum team size of 32 swimmers the Cayman Islands will be sending 18 swimmers this year – all of whom worked tirelessly to achieve elevated qualifying times in order to be eligible for selection to the Representative Team this year.

“I would like to congratulate all of our swimmers,” said Minister of Sport, 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.”

The CARIFTA Team travelling to Jamaica will include Coaches Katie Lambert and Andy Copley; Team Managers Sandy Hew and Jeffrey Wight; and Technical Director Ian Armiger.