Dolphin Speed Swim Club raises GASA issues with World Aquatics

The Dolphin Speed Swim Club has moved to highlight several issues within the local swimming fraternity by raising several issues it has with the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) with the Aquatics Integrity Unit of World Aquatics.
The Swim Club has issued a statement, full details of which follows:
Dolphin Speed Swim Club wishes to shine light on recent actions taken by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA). These matters, which centre on the precipitous suspension of our club without due process, and purported violations of the World Aquatics Integrity Code, including claims of discrimination and favouritism, and admitted forgery of documentation by a member, have sparked concern and a demand for transparency within our sport.
As an organization deeply committed to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity and inclusivity in aquatic sports, Dolphin Speed Swim Club takes any accusation of misconduct very seriously. Any allegation of misconduct should be investigated, and any findings disclosed, and all parties given the opportunity to defend themselves at a hearing at which all mitigating and (if applicable) aggravating factors can be taken into account before any wrongdoing is found and any sanction applied.

It is our firm belief that every athlete deserves equal opportunities and fair treatment, regardless of their background, affiliation, or standing within the swimming community.
We have filed the attached formal complaint with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (an independent arm of World Aquatics, charged with administering the Aquatics Integrity Code), detailing the alleged violations and providing evidence to support our claims. Our goal in taking this action is not only to seek accountability, but also to safeguard the integrity of the sport and ensure a level playing field for all athletes.
Discrimination and favouritism have no place in swimming or any sporting endeavour. Every swimmer deserves to compete on an equal footing, and be judged solely on their merit. Any actions or policies that undermine this principle must be addressed swiftly and decisively.
Additionally, the admitted forgery of documents strikes at the heart of trust and accountability within our sport’s governing body. It is imperative that all organizations adhere to the highest standards of transparency and honesty in their dealings, particularly when it comes to matters as important as accounting for funding from international organizations.
Furthermore, GASA’s suspension of Dolphin Speed Swim Club without a hearing or due process is a matter of grave concern. We firmly believe in the fundamental right to a fair and impartial review of any allegation before disciplinary action is taken. Such actions not only infringe upon our rights as a member organization, but also undermine the principles of justice and procedural fairness.
Interestingly, at meetings held after the said suspension, GASA agreed to quash the illegal sanction against Dolphin Speed Swim Club, and instead to implement, document, and follow a procedure for dealing with the alleged violations.
We are sure GASA will say that it is waiting on letters outlining its obligations as an excuse for its failure to act. We know that GASA will do this because the Association’s current administration is incapable of understanding that their reliance on this excuse makes them appear weak and ineffectual. Additionally, they will rely on the said excuse because, in managing the organization, they have not (acted) and do not intend to act in good faith. If they intended to act differently, they would have contacted the relevant parties to enquire about the letters. Instead, they sit in obstinate petulance, doing nothing.
Despite GASA’s inaction, Dolphin Speed Swim Club reached out to the Association in yet another attempt to move this matter forward. GASA acknowledged the club’s correspondence and asked us for an agenda for a meeting. In addition to preparing a draft agenda, we also suggested possible meeting dates, times and a venue. GASA has not responded to Dolphin, but has instead applied to host a meet on May 16-19, 2024, at which, to the exclusion of the club’s athletes, the 2024 CCAN and Goodwill Swim Championship teams will be selected.
Dolphin Speed Swim Club has therefore called for a thorough investigation into the matters outlined in the attached complaint to the Aquatics Integrity Unit, with full transparency and accountability throughout the process. Dolphin Speed Swim Club also calls on the Guyana Olympic Association to use its good offices to ensure that the fundamental principles and values of Olympism are being upheld within GASA.
We urge all parties involved to cooperate fully with any inquiries, and to prioritize the best interests of the athletes and the integrity of the sport above all else.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, fairness and respect within the swimming community. Together with our fellow athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters, we will continue to champion these values and strive for a brighter future for aquatic sports worldwide.
For further inquiries or comments, please contact Dolphin Speed Swim Club at [email protected].

About Dolphin Speed Swim Club:
Dolphin Speed Swim Club is dedicated to the development and promotion of swimming excellence. Our commitment extends beyond conventional boundaries, as we proudly train swimmers of diverse abilities and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive.
At Dolphin Speed Swim Club, we believe that swimming is a sport for everyone, regardless of differences in ability or experience. Through specialized coaching and tailored training programs, we empower all athletes to reach their full potential in the water, competing at local, national and international levels.
Dolphin Speed Swim Club provides comprehensive training and support to swimmers at every stage of their journey, nurturing talent and instilling a love for the sport from grassroots to elite levels. Our holistic approach to coaching emphasizes not only technical skill development, but also mental resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With a focus on accessibility, diversity, and excellence, Dolphin Speed Swim Club is proud to be a trailblazer in promoting equal opportunities in aquatic sports. For more information about our programs and initiatives, one can visit the Club’s social media handles.