The annual Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) Awards Gala Brunch was hosted at The Grand Old House on Sunday, 28th January.  Swimmers and volunteers from seven to seventy years old were celebrated for their achievements and contributions to the sport of swimming in the Cayman Islands.

With close to two hundred guests, the oceanside venue was at capacity, where families and friends of those being recognized gathered to show support of CIASA and their members.  In addition to the awards, a Silent Auction and fundraising activities took place during the event.

CIASA Awards:

● Special Olympian of the Year:        Alec Cox

● Male Swimmer of the Year:        Corey Frederick-Westerborg

● Female Swimmer of the Year:         Lauren Hew

● Open Water volunteer of the year:           Eva Moore

● Volunteer of the Year:                                  Joan Link

● Community Service Award:                         Laura Ribbins

● Lifetime Achievement Award:                    Frank Flowers

● Masters Swimmer of the Year:                   Frank Flowers

CIASA President, Michael Lockwood, commented on the event  “Honouring our athletes and volunteers is the most important thing that we can do as a federation. It is great to see all of the athletes be recognised for their performances and, more importantly, efforts and training. Without the volunteers and parents, our athletes would not be able to compete. It was great to see Alec Cox be named as special Olympian of the year both by CIASA and SOCI”.

Cont…

CIASA Most Improved Swimmers, by age group, girls & boys:

● 7 & 8             CoCo MCGrath & Aiden Suitor

● 9 & 10             Lila Higgo & Jack Clark-Terrell

● 11 & 12           Tabitha Hawkins & Jorian Neblett

● 13 & 14           Maeve Anderson & Nichalas Corin

● 15 to 17           Ella Plunkett & Alex Dakers

CARIFTA Awards

The following swimmers were recognised for their performance at CARFITA 2017:-

● Most Improved Male Swimmer at CARIFTA:         Corey Fredrick-Westerburg

●Most Improved Female Swimmer at CARIFTA:      Avery Lambert

●Open Water Performer of the Year:         John Bodden

● Top CARIFTA Performer:         Lauren Hew

CIASA Stars Awards

The following swimmers were recognized as CIASA Stars, based on a points system from meets in 2017, for short course 25 meter pool events.  Points are based speed and the age of the swimmer.  Just scoring points is considered a strong achievement.

Girls CIASA Stars

1st Jillian Crooks

2nd Stephanie Royston

3rd Avery Lambert & Allyson Belfonte & Kyra Rabess

Runners Up, point scorers:- Harper Barrowman  & Raya Embury-Brown

Boys CIASA Stars

               1st(tie) Corey Frederick-Westerborg and Stefano Bonati

               3rd Jake Bailey

               Runner Up, point scorer:- Jake Alberga

CIASA gave thanks to the support of the organisations that contribute to the success of aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands, including:  Maples, KMPG, Davenport Development, Greenlight RE, HSM, Red Sail Sports, Cayman Islands Ministry of Sports and the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee.

Photos of the event can be viewed and downloaded here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/7cTHJ1X6PycWmaeF

Many from the swimming community had being recognized at the recent Heroes Day ceremony and those honored were also celebrated by CIASA for their contribution to the sport of swimming:

Pioneers:

   Frankie Flowers

   Mike Hundt

   Shaune Fraser

   Sara MacKay

   Pat McCallum

   Penny  McDowall

   Laura Ribbons

   Heather Roffey

Memorial Scroll:

   Landan von Kanel

Emerging Pioneer:

   Kanza Bodden

   Brett Fraser

   Lauren Hew

   Andrew Smilley

Long Service Award:

   Susan Hundt

   Jennifer Powell

   Lori Powell

   Adam Roberts

Cayman is investing in developing competitive swimmers through local swim clubs, local swim meets and international team and club meets. Parents with children interested in competitive swimming should contact one of Cayman’s swim clubs for more information. Swimming age categories start at 6 & Under in local swim meets.

The Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports  Association (CIASA) is a volunteer, not for profit association dedicated to furthering the interests of all aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands. CIASA is the recognised Governing Body of aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands and is a member of FINA, UANA, CCCAN and the CIOC. For more information on CIASA please visit www.ciasa.ky.