2020 CIASA Nationals

Last chance qualifier before CARIFTA took place February 26 – March 1

This past weekend the 2020 Cayman Islands Aquatics Sports Association Nationals saw 135 swimmers from Camana Bay Aquatic Club, Seven Mile Swimmers and Stingray Swim Club take to the blocks in the chase for national titles, and Junior and Development Team cuts.

“CIASA Nationals is one of our biggest events,” commented Bailey Weathers, CIASA Technical Director. “The meet is a prelims and finals format, giving younger swimmers exposure to the format they may experience in larger meets. It is also the last opportunity for eligible swimmers to make qualifying times that will allow them to be considered for the Cayman Islands Junior team which will travel to Barbados and take part in CARIFTA over the Easter long weekend.”

While CIASA volunteers are still verifying new National (Cayman Islands citizens) and CIASA (Cayman Islands residents) records, it can be confirmed that 22 new Junior team times were achieved and 25 new Development team times were achieved. It is expected that the Junior CARIFTA team will be announced either later this week or early next week.

Saturday’s finals session started with an Artistic Swimming performance; while senior swimmers Jordan Crooks, Camana Bay Aquatic Club; and Alison Jackson, Krishna Adapa and Elana Sinclair all took part in their last CIASA Nationals as age group swimmers - this time next year they will all be in the 18 and over age group. Of the four, Jackson and Adapa have committed to swim in college in the US while Crooks and Sinclair are still deciding what next year will bring to their swimming careers.

The fund raising CIASA raffle took place and winners were CI$1000.00 – Erin Hollingsbee, CI$ 500.00 – Samantha Ebanks and 3 x $100.00 to Ria Lorde, Roberta McLean and Joyce Cantlay.

“Huge thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and officials – who are also volunteers; and to our swimmers and our coaches,” said Duke Sullivan – CIASA Director and Meet Director for the meet. “This is a big undertaking which requires great team effort from all involved. Our young athletes benefit, so the hours we as parents and volunteers invest is worthwhile.”

Next on the calendar for CIASA is the XXX CARIFTA 2020 where Cayman will be fielding teams in Artistic, Pool and Open Water swimming.

For more information on CIASA visit www.ciasa.ky or contact Kathy Jackson at skyjackswim@gmail.com