The land of many waters will host the 23rd annual Goodwill swim meet from August 18-20 at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendal, with a record number of teams set to attend. Speaking at the launching on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel, President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud explained that a record number of seven countries are set to participate, with Bahamas and Grenada being the two additions to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, St. Lucia and the host.
Twin sisters Jadyn and Daniel George along with Phillip DeNobrega and other swimmers unveiling the meet’s logo
Persaud revealed that at the recent congress, there was debate as to whether Guyana should be able to allow such a high number of teams to participate in the championships, since the fear would be that the championship would turn into a mini CARIFTA Games.
More so the GASA President made an appeal to corporate Guyana to show support since it is the host country that has to finance the expenses of all visiting teams once they arrive.
Speaking specifically on the development of swimmers, the President posited that athletes continue to improve both in and out of the pool. The highlights were certainly that of Hannibal Gaskin reaching the 2016 Rio Olympics along with Jamila Sanmoogan.
Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) is ready and committed to support the games.
Jones posited that the NSC stands committed to development of sports and that he understands the trials that athletes face and will by all means to help to better the lives of those athletes.
The Director of Sport further reiterated that government alone cannot be the sole investors in sport, as there is a dire need for corporate Guyana to come on board.
Trevor Williams, who represented the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Youth, Culture and Sport Nicolette Henry urged the association to continue striving for excellence and begin to produce Olympic stars in the near future and stated that the Ministry will be firmly committed to supporting the championships.
At the last event held in St. Lucia, twin sisters Jadyn and Daniele George were Guyana’s top performing swimmers where Guyana collected a total of 15 medals and finished and in sixth position.
Jadyn and Daniele ended with three gold and three silver medals, respectively; Jadyn was the only swimmer on Guyana’s team of 29 swimmers to win a gold medal at the regional event.
