NCB Insurance Primary/Prep swim meet

Martin Lyn, president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), said the increased international success of Jamaican swimmers recently, is a result of the competition and experience gained at the prep and primary level.

Speaking at the launch of the National Commercial Bank Insurance Company (NCBIC) preparatory/primary school swim championships at the National Aquatic Centre on Monday, Lyn said the meet which has been in existence for 30 years, is one of the reasons our young swimmers have grown into such fierce competitors and are proving themselves on the international scene.

“I want everybody to appreciate and understand that for the past two years we have had better representation. We have sent teams to every international major meet in the world. We sent teams to the World Championship, Pan Am Games, Olympics and regional meets like CCAN, CAC and Carifta Games. And for the first time we sent a team to the Junior World Championship in Budapest.

“I say this because we are all sitting here proud of what the aquatic sport association has been able to develop, but it starts here. It starts at the prep/primary level. So everybody who is behind this push should be congratulated, especially for this particular meet,” he added. “I expect to see some of these faces in two to six years representing Jamaica. Some of our biggest swimmers, Alia Atkinson included, have come from this same level, so it’s a great opportunity for all the participants. It’s also a great partnership with NCBIC and this is the beginning, as we expect a lot more going forward.”

The event, which is sponsored to a tune of $1million, is schedule for the National Aquatic Centre this Saturday and will have a record 47 schools competing, with over 600 competitiors to be on show, including juniors stars such as Cameron Brown, Renae Chung and Waldon McIntosh.

Acting Regional manager for NCBIC, Calneth Gray, believes competition like this also promotes health and wellness among the very young of our population.

“We believe it is not too early to cultivate a culture of health and wellness. We therefore see the championship as an opportunity to further our mission and spread the importance of cultivating an healthy lifestyle from early, as well as support the development of swimming in Jamaica,” said Gray.

Stella Maris Prep School are the defending champions.