From Lacovia

Cayman Islands Annual Event Open to Swimmers of All Levels

Olympic medalists are keen to compete for the open water title of the Flowers Sea Swim on Grand Cayman.

Novice swimmers are equally drawn to the challenge of swimming a distance.

And, children are eager to plunge into the warm Caribbean waters with their friends and family.

No matter what their motivation or age, hundreds of people flock to the Annual Flowers Sea Swim held every June off Seven Mile Beach in the Grand Caymans.

The event is in its 23rd year and anticipation is great for both islanders and visitors. It is one of the top 13 open water swimming races in the world and certainly the richest in terms of prize money. The swimmer who posts the fastest recorded ocean mile wins US$10,000, and the one who sets a new event record is awarded US$5,000.

Trophies are given to the top 4 men’s and top 4 women’s finishers. As well, a medal is awarded to each swimmer who completes the race in the allotted time. There are numerous random prizes given out such as round trip plane tickets, hotel vacations, cell phones, and restaurant certificates. Race finishers have a 1 in 5 odds in winning a great prize.

Event Kick Off and Schedule

The excitement kicks off on June 11th with a Charity Gala with Olympian participants held at The Marriott and then a Welcome Luncheon on June 12th at Abacus Restaurant at Camana Bay. Then the swimming begins on June 13 th with a one-mile race starting at the Ritz Carlton and finishing at the Royal Palms. June 15th marks the day for the 5k and 10k swim races which start and finish at Grand Cayman Beach Suites.

Participant Categories

Categories include age group swimmer (age 11-14), junior swimmer (age 14-17) and senior swimmer (age 18 and over). Master’s Swimmer divisions include3 groups: age 20-39, age 40-59, and age 60 plus.

Even if you’re not a swimmer you can participate in the festivities by entering in the Walk and Watch on June 13th. The route of the walk runs parallel to the swim route. Participants get a free t-shirt and are eligible for a variety of great prizes. It’s an excellent way to get exercise and also have the best view to the swimming action out on the water.

The Founder

The Flowers Sea Swim is a testament to the energy and dedication of its founder Mr. Frank Flowers. Nominated for the 2012 World Open Water Swimming Award for Performance of the Year, Frank Flowers is passionate about open water swimming and works tirelessly to prepare, promote, and organize his annual event. He’s a humble man, always willing to deflect the focus on himself and to thank others who have helped in the success of the race such as elite swimmer and 3-time medalist and former world record holder, Gary Hall, and his son and 10 Olympic medal winner, Gary Hall Jr., who travel to the Cayman Islands to participate.

In Frank’s own words, “You Olympians came down and raised the bar. Thank you so much for your support; people are coming to see you and are honoured to swim with you guys.”

It’s such a well-planned and well-supported event, and world class swimmers are keen to visit the islands and take part every year.

“The Flowers Sea Swim captures the most important thing about sport. It’s supposed to be fun,” says swimmer Gary Hall Jr. speaking in this YouTube video. “There are Olympic athletes here and they have the same smile on their face as every other participant there.”

Smiles are definitely what the Sea Swim brings out in everyone. The event is a significant boost to Cayman tourism and registration proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Cayman Islands organization.

If you’re a guest of Lacovia, all the action is about a 15 to 20 minute walk away. If you enjoy swimming, take the plunge and register for the Flowers Sea Swim. Like its name, it’s an event blossoming with joy and vitality.

For more on this story and video go to: http://www.lacovia.com/blog/flowers-sea-swim-on-grand-cayman/