FOLLOWING on the heels of two personal best times in the pool by JayhanOdlum-Smith, 54.99 seconds in the 100 metres freestyle and 25.74 seconds in the 50 metres fly at the recently held 3rd edition of the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, there is more good news on the horizon for Saint Lucia swimmers.
Today, between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. the conference room at the Bay Gardens Hotel located in Rodney Bay will be a hive of signing activity — not the kind of signing which took place blue moons ago between the British and the French after the war’s to settle the decisions arrived at, but one where the Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association will be meeting with a delegation from Martinique to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, yes you read right!
The MOU will provide a framework for future binding contracts regarding the Longvilliers Club du Lamentin (supported by The Martiniquan Swimming Federation) and SLASA.
According to SLASA Public Relations Officer, Sue Monplaisir, “This MOU will allow SLASA to collaborate with and engage the Longvilliers Club Du Lamentin in the development of sustainability of aquatics in both territories. This will also include training, competition of swimmers and technical assistance of coaches and instructors to name a few”.
Present at this historical event will be Robert Marajo – President of Longvilliers Swim Club, Michel Rose -Vice President, Christian Sufrin -Boat Pilot and Celine Chartol – Head Coach of Synchro and Translator.
SLASA’s President, Eddie Hazell will lead a team of officials comprising, David Peterkin SLASA’s Technical Director, Heidi Emmanuel-Peter – President, Sea Jays Swim Club, Sue Dyson – Seajays, Andrea Hinds- Holder -President, Southern Flying Fish, Henry Joseph, President/ Coach – Sports Academy, Romain Roosevelt – President/ Coach RR Swim Club, Tessa Charles- Louis – President – Lightning Aquatic.
Also present will be Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc President, Fortuna Belrose.
In May, a four member team headed by SLASA President, Eddie Hazell, Yasmine Tyson – Director, David Peterkin – Technical Director and Paula James – Vice President – Administration were in Martinique speaking to swimming officials and other stakeholders on ways the two federations can work together.
SLASA believes the 50 metre swimming pool in the French speaking island will help bring the competitiveness needed by Saint Lucia swimmers to a higher level.
It must be noted, it’s been three years since a sod- turning ceremony took place to commence the construction of a national aquatic centre adjacent to the Beausejour Cricket Ground, now the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
The $12m swimming facility was supposed to include a 50 metre pool with eight lanes and an adjustable bulkhead which can move back and forth, built to international standard and capable of hosting regional and international championships.
Guess that initiative or plans for the above mentioned facility must have gone out through the window with the advent of Sports Consultant, Don Lockerbie, Master Plan for Sports for Saint Lucia.
