Cayman Islands’ swimmers back in action with May Lions Sprint
Focused on the second training cycle of the calendar year, Stingray Swim Club (SSC) hosts two meets – a fun and fast sprint meet – the Lions Sprint meet that took place Saturday 12 May, and the upcoming Landon Von Kanel Invitational, which takes place Thursday 31 May – Sunday 3 June.The two meets complement each other.
The Lions Sprint Meet is a testimony to the long-standing partnership between the Lions Cub and Stingray Swim Club, and in the spirit of the Lions Club is free to all swimmers. The competition gets swimmers back on the blocks after the Easter break for an exciting fast-paced meet. The 100 IM and 50s of each discipline were the featured events.
“We use this meet to recognise the Lions Club’s vision and community ethos. They saw a need here in Grand Cayman and built a pool, making it possible for hundreds of children to learn to swim. It is great to see the swimming community grow to capacity and fill the facility for this event”, said David Pursley, SSC Head Coach.
“In addition to getting swimmers back on the blocks, Stingray also uses this meet to focus on our younger swimmers – getting them used to the structure and procedures they must follow in an officiated meet; and having our senior swimmers buddy up with the club’s junior swimmers, developing their mentoring and leadership skills. It truly is a community event in the spirit of service for others,” Coach David continued.With over 180 swimmers from Stingray Swim Club, Camana Bay Aquatic Club, Brac Barracudas, Seven Mile Swimmers and Special Olympics Cayman Islands, the Lions Sprint Meet is one of the year’s biggest meets.
Up next – Stingray welcomes Grant Thornton as a sponsor of the third annual Landon Von Kanel Invitational.
Commenting on this sponsorship, Dara Keogh – Partner said, “Grant Thornton is delighted to be sponsoring the Landon Von Kanel Memorial swim meet. Swimming is a fantastic way for children and adults alike, to develop not only physical sporting skills, but also team-building skills and lifelong friendships”.
He continued, “We are proud to support this event, and this partnership demonstrates our long term commitment to the Cayman Islands community, including the proposed development of the 50m Pool, which will further open up opportunities and facilities for the public”.
Pastor Randy Von Kanel, father of the late Landon Von Kanel (Cayman’s first CARIFTA medallist), always envisioned this meet as an invitational. “Landon loved to travel, to swim in other countries and to meet swimmers and their families,” he commented. “I am so grateful to Stingray’s head coach – David Pursley – who has worked hard to make this a reality and this year we are delighted to be able to welcome a small group of swimmers from Jamaica who are travelling to Cayman for the meet.”
The Landon Von Kanel Invitational takes place on Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June, with swim action starting at 5:30 PM; and on Saturday and Sunday morning with swimming starting at 8:15 AM.
Members of the public who are interested in volunteering can email Kathy Jackson [email protected] or can just come out to watch Cayman’s young athletes and to cheer them on.
