The 3rd Annual Paradise Water Open Water Swim Meet recently came off in Laborie Village Bay, St Lucia with a large crowd of spectators, enthusiastic swimmers from all over the island and the event blessed with beautiful weather.
Hosted by the Southern Flying Fish, sponsored by Paradise Water and sanctioned by the St Lucia Amateur Swimming Association (SLASA), the meet was part of the overall outreach swimming program which brings swimming to the other districts of St Lucia.
All four formal events planned, 3 Km, 1 Km, 100M and a "Fun 50", were successfully completed with calm seas and sunny weather facilitating the swimmers and organizers. All races took place in the Laborie Bay and the organizers were heartened with the tremendous local support and participation of the Laborie residents
While the registration was proceeding, the participants recreated on the beach, and there was a great atmosphere as the course was set up and preparations made to start the meet.
Southern Flying Fish Club members ensured that there were plenty of officials on the beach and in the rescue boat and kayaks. Dr. Ali was doctor-on-call. The officers of the Marine Police and St. Jude’s Ambulance Service personnel were present on site to ensure the safety of the competitors.
Kayak rescue team
RHAC Sharks coach Jamie Peterkin crossed the line first in the 3 Km race with a time of 51min 52 second followed by Nic Welch (63 min 4 sec), Mark Emmanus (77 min 8 sec) and Joshua Healy (77 min 10 sec)
The 1 Kilometer race had the following winners in different categories
12 and under girls: Laura Bruce (21 min 58 sec)
12 and under boys: Nathan Malazair (24 min 50 sec)
13 and over girls :Annabel Maggs (21 min 28 sec)
13 and over boys: Jamie Peterkin ( 16 min 29 sec)
The 100Meter event was won by
10 and under girls: Gabrielle Marshal (2 min 21 sec)
10 and under boys: Johnathon Bruce (2 min 22 sec)
11-14 girls: Tonnisha Emmanus ( 1 min 44 sec0
11-14 boys: Runako Daniel (1 min 43 sec)
15 and over girls: Shernice Popo ( 2 min 6 sec)
15 and over boys: Jon-L Innocent Dolor ( 1 min 36 sec)
The 50 Meter event was won by
10 and under girls: Gabrielle Marshal (1 min 27 sec)
10 and under boys: Johnathon Bruce (1 min 37 sec)
11-14 girls: Jainee John ( 1min 4 sec )
11-14 boys: Jarad Mondesir (2min 47 sec)
15 and over girls: Ayo Didier-Holstein (1 min 15 sec)
The southern crowd and organizers were appreciative of the northern swimmers for having made the trek to Laborie and the results again reflected the tremendous progress made by the southern swimmers with their swim program.
