Bermuda Swimmers To Compete In Florida
The Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) is once again sending a 20 strong swim team to the Coral Springs Swim Club (CSSC) Long Course Invitational Swim Meet in Florida this week.
Ben Smith, President of BASA said, “Hosted by the CSSC at their world class facility, the Bermuda team will feature twenty swimmers, in a mix of young age group talent along with older seniors. The meet is expected to attract the top age group and senior swimmers in the South Florida area and it extends over seven sessions, starting Thursday afternoon (June 24th) and concluding on Sunday evening (June 27th).”
The youngest of these swimmers are the two 10 year old boys, Mitch Gariepy and Josh Irvine, both of whom are entered in seven events, which is the maximum number of events permitted in this meet. Mitch is looking forward to renewing his rivalry from last with the boys in his age group, whilst this is Josh’s first venture at this meet.
The 11 and 12 year old girls group features Somer Froud, Anna Harrington, Shannon Hassell, Erica Hawley and Erin Haydon. The girls are entered in a full suite of events as well as two relays. Somer attended this meet last year and will be the leader for the rest, as this will be their first time. There is also an 11 and 12 year old boys group and they are Shannon Botelho, Eric Rowse, Tyler Smith and Jesse Washington, none of whom have previously attended this meet. They too will each have several individual events in which to compete, as well as two relays.
The next age group is 13 and 14. For the girls, there is the trio of Michelle Caza, Sophie Froud and Kiante Lightbourne whilst for the boys there is the duo of Philip Hagen and Jordan Rowse. Michelle, Sophie and Philip attended the meet last year, whilst this marks Kiante’s first time, along with Jordan.
In the senior, 15 and over boys’ age group, Alexander Brown, Kellan DeSilva and Nick Patterson will be returning to this meet and each will swim 7 individual events, whilst Vaughn Rowse will be making his debut. These older swimmers will also have three relays over the course of the weekend.
Mr. Smith concluded by saying, “All of the local swimmers have had to meet the required standard in each event they have entered and in order to do so; they have been training hard all season. They are all looking forward to this meet with keen anticipation, as the meet will mark the climax of their season.”
