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$2m boost for Prep, Primary Swim meet

Published:Tuesday | May 9, 2017 | 12:00 AMShayne Fairman
Gladstone Taylor
Allan Roy Marsh (right), meet director for the Burger King/Popeyes Prep and Primary Schools Swimming championships, accepting a $2 million sponsorship cheque from Karma Williams (left) brand manager, Burger King, and Sabrena McDonald Radcliffe (second left), head of sales and marketing, Burger King/Popeyes, at the launch of the meet at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa yesterday. Looking on is Carifta champion Zaneta Alvaranga.

Meet director Allan Roy Marsh says the 700 children who will be competing at this weekend's Burger King/Popeyes Prep and Primary Schools Swim meet will be given an oppor-tunity to showcase their talents in an organised and healthy competition.

The two-day meet will be held on Friday and Saturday. Action will get under way at 8:30 a.m. each day at the National Aquatics Centre and will showcase prep and primary swimmers ages 6-12. A total of 55 schools - 45 prep and 10 primary - are down to take part.

"Through sponsorship of this meet, Burger King is providing opportunities to over 700 kids, many of whom would not have an opportunity to swim in an organised competition," Marsh outlined at yesterday's launch at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa on Lady Musgrave Road.

 

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

 

Marsh reminded his audience that Olympians Janelle Atkinson and Alia Atkinson competed during their developmental years at the long-standing meet.

"We did have Janelle Atkinson here two years ago, who came through the Burger King Swim Meet, and she came and participated actively, so there has been a relationship with some of the famous alumni," added Marsh.

Title sponsors Burger King and Popeyes will be spending a combined $2 million to mark the 17th renewal. According to Sabrena McDonald-Radcliffe, head of sales and marketing for Restaurant Associates Limited, it reflects their biggest investment in the sport to date.

"Both brands are committed to the growth and development of the sport of swimming as it encourages discipline, perseverance and teamwork among young people," she said.

Immaculate Conception High student Zaneta Alvaranga, who recently returned from the Carifta Swimming Championships in Bahamas with six medals - four individual and two relays - including the 50m butterfly record also spoke.

"I encourage you to keep loving the sport of swimming, as it will help you to be focused and become a high achiever in everything you do," the 12-year-old implored the youngsters.

The defending girls' prep champions are Immaculate. However, new champions will be crowned on the boys' side as Wolmer's will not be competing. Excelsior are reigning primary schools champions.