IT’S day two of the 29th edition of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championship currently taking place at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and by all accounts Saint Lucia’s 34 member team is all set to give it their best shot for the remaining two days of competition as they look to dethrone defending champions Grenada.
The participating teams are Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Martinique and host St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Defending champion Grenada is looking to make it their 4th consecutive win. In terms of championship wins, they lead Saint Lucia by two, 15-13.
The Saint Lucia team left the island on Thursday under the watchful eyes of coaches Brian Charles, Tariq Edward and Abbie Pultie, team Manager Nickler Velinor -Paul and Chaperone Constance Rene.
Full Squad
8 and Under: Helen Kabiye (Sharks Swim Club), Zaina Brathwaite (Sharks Swim Club), James Sylvester (Seajays Swim Club), Aaron Charles (Lightning Swim Club), Noah Dorville (Seajays Swim Club).
9 to 10: Damari Maxwell (Seajays Swim Club), Alexandra Bristol (Lightning Swim Club), Hannah Christopher (RR Aquatic), Fayth Jeffery (Seajays Swim Club), Leo Gilmore (Sharks Swim Club), D’Andre Vigier (Seajays), Antoine Destang (Sharks Swim Club).
11 to 12: Caitlin Polius (Seajays), Jasmine Steide (Sharks), Maliyah Henry (Southern Flying Fish), Tristan Dorville (Seajays Swim Club), Karic Charles (Lightning Swim Club), Ethan Hazell (Lightning Swim Club).
13 to 14: Courtney Paul (Lightning Swim Club), Naekeisha Louis (Lightning Swim Club), Naima Hazell (Lightning Swim Club), Ziv Reynolds (Sharks Swim Club), D’Andre Blanchard (Seajays Swim Club).
15 to 17: Shalini Joseph (Sailfin Swim Club), Sade Joseph (Seajays Swim Club), Mikaili Charlemagne (Sharks Swim Club), Jayhan Odlum-Smith (Seajays Swim Club), Allandre Cross (Sharks Swim Club), Jamarr Archibald (Seajays Swim Club).
18 and over: Evelyn Day (Sharks Swim Club), Siona Huxley (Sharks Swim Club), Jean Luc Zephir (Unattached), Nicholas Mc Lennon (Seajays Swim Club), Adam Stromberg (Unattached).
Last evening, following the 6.30 p.m. opening ceremony, the first events of the weekend championship started with the 100 metres freestyle for the 8 and under swimmers and the 400 metres freestyle for the 9 and over swimmers. The evening concluded with the relay races. At press time the results of the completed events were not available.
The championship resumes at 10.00 a.m. today with the 200 metres freestyle. Starting Saint Lucia’s medal hunt in the Girls 9-10 age category are Alexandra Bristol, Hannah Christopher and Damari Maxwell. They will be followed by Boys 9-10 age group, Antoine Destang, Leo Gilmore and D’Andre Vigier.
The showpiece continues with the 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, and 18 and Over 200 metres freestyle. Events No. 21-28 will see the athletes competing in the 50 metres breaststroke from 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18 and Over; events No 29-30, 25 metre butterfly 8 and under; event No. 31-32, 50 metre butterfly 9-10; event No 33-36, 100 metres butterfly 11-12 and 13-14.
Saint Lucia will be looking forward to some top performances from the likes of Helen Kabiye, James Sylvester, Damari Maxwell, Jasmine Steide, Tristan Dorville, Antoine Destang, Fayth Jeffery, Karic Charles, D’ Andre Blanchard, Ziv Reynolds, Jayhan Odlum-Smith, Naima Hazell, Naekeisha Louis, Mikaili Charlemangne, Allandre Cross, Jean Luc – Zephir, Siona Huxley and Adam Stromberg.
The final day of competition will start tomorrow from 10.00 a.m.
