On March 22^nd, 2012 the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC) held a private dinner to celebrate those athletes who have qualified for the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games and those athletes who have recently medaled in the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games held in Mexico in October.

The intimate dinner was attended by Honourable Minister Mark Scotland, CIOC Vice President Lori Powell, CIOC Fundraising Chairperson Betty Baraud, and the four 2012 Olympic Athletes; Cydonie Mothersill, Ronald Forbes, Shaune Fraser and Brett Fraser.

The small group reminisced over their past competition experiences together and their expectations of the upcoming 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.  These are the same 4 athletes who proudly represented the Cayman Islands in Beijing, 2008, along with their same Chef de Mission Lori Powell and Chairperson Betty Baraud who founded the Cayman Islands Olympic Fundraising Committee (CIOFC) in 1992.

The athletes enjoyed exchanging training and event experiences while exclaiming their confidence in additional Caymanian athletes qualifying for the Games this year.  Excitement was high as discussions surrounded the many upcoming local sport events and the admiration for how much Cayman has changed to accommodate such impressive competitions.

The evening commenced with a short Cheque Ceremony.  All four athletes received funds for qualifying for the 2012 London Olympic Games.  These monies will aid in their preparation and training in these last few months leading into the competition.

“As we approach the end of another quadrennial period and watch our Athletes one by one qualify for the penultimate stage of their Olympic journey, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the many Sponsors, who have so graciously helped to make their accomplishments possible,” said Fundraising Chairperson, Betty Baraud.

“Because of our Sponsors support, tonight we are able to provide yet again another financial donation directly to our Athletes. We understand the needs of our Athletes and are pleased to give our support. This contribution will go a long way in helping them to focus on their ongoing training and preparation for the Games and,” Betty Baraud continued, “we all look forward to seeing them represent Cayman on the World Stage.”

The CIOC also took this opportunity to reward Shaune and Brett Fraser for each medal won at the 2011 Pan Am Games.  “It is very important to the CIOC that we reward tremendous results at high international competitions and we can only hope that these funds show our gratitude for their hard work and outstanding performances on behalf of the Cayman Islands,” said Lori Powell.  “This money should act not only as a reward but as an incentive for our athletes to strive for greatness and for them to know that Cayman is proud of their successes.”

All funds distributed on this evening were comprised solely from donations and sponsorships through fundraising events of the CIOFC.  The CIOC and CIOFC would like to thank all of their sponsors and those who have contributed in any way to ensuring the success of the Committee.  It is with this continued support that the CIOC is able to fund these athletes and contribute to such ambassadors of the Cayman Islands.  If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering with the CIOC, feel free to contact the office at [email protected].