The weekend of October 12-13 saw Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre come alive with excitement as the Seajays Swim Club hosted the Capri-Sun Short Course National Swim Championship. The Short Course National Swim Championship is a pivotal meet as not only is it the first meet of the swim year, but it also serves as the time trial for the selection of the Saint Lucia OECS Swim Team.
It is little wonder that over 160 swimmers from seven local swim clubs arrived in competition mode, determined to assert their authority in the pool and secure the top spots in their respective age groups, in order to qualify to swim for Saint Lucia at the OECS Swimming Championship 2019. It takes place in St Vincent from November 8 to 10, 2019.
When the curtains came down on Sunday, October 13 the Executive of Seajays was satisfied that the meet had progressed over the two days seamlessly and without incident. From all accounts it was well-staged, enjoyable for the swimmers and patrons, and overall successful.
Seajays is privileged to have collaborated with title sponsor Capri-Sun, through its local agent Massy Distribution Ltd. Capri-Sun has become the name and face of the Short Course National Championship and has demonstrated its commitment to Seajays, and the entire swim fraternity of Saint Lucia, through continued sponsorship of this meet, both in cash and kind.
This year Capri-Sun went above and beyond and, through the collaboration with its agent Massy Distribution Ltd, a true partnership was cemented with Seajays. Capri-Sun demonstrated sterling corporate responsibility by becoming actively involved in the preparation for the meet and by its representatives clocking in hours volunteering before, during and after the meet.
President of Seajays Robert Blanchard expressed his gratitude to Capri-Sun during the cheque handover presentation on Thursday, October 10 at which time he said: “This meet could not be possible without the sterling financial contribution of Capri-Sun. They demonstrate good corporate responsibility by their investment and continue to ensure that young swimmers convert their daily hard work and commitment to their sport, into successes during competition.” Seajays are grateful for this healthy collaboration and look forward to celebrating 10 years with Capri-Sun next year, 2020.
Seajays would like to express gratitude to their sponsors, including CIBC/FCIB, Earle Companies, Crystal Clear, JJ’s Paradise and Bel Jou for the investment they have made in the Club and towards the success of this meet. Seajays also wish to acknowledge the time and effort put in over the weekend by the many volunteers who contributed in order to ensure that the swimmers remained happy and focused on their events.
Seajays say a huge thank you to the meet manager, meet referee, the announcer, starters, timers, marshals, those who kept the computer room functioning, the medics, the Red Cross, the DJ who kept patrons well entertained, the fundraising committee, clubs, coaches, parents and guardians; also the management and staff of Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre for all they do on a daily basis to facilitate swimmers and the growth of swimming in Saint Lucia.
Hearty congratulations are due to Seajays Swim Club for emerging the winner of the Capri-Sun Short Course National Swim Championship 2019. Special commendation goes to Jayhan Odlum-Smith who set an age-group and national record in 100-metre butterfly and Tristan Dorville who set an age-group record in 100-metre butterfly—the only records of the meet.
The second and third place winners were Sharks Swim Club and Lightning Aquatics Swim Club, respectively.
