Olympian and Atlantic Sports Ambassador, Keshorn Walcott was among hundreds of supporters at the 8th Annual Atlantic Primary Schools Invitational Swim Meet. Over 300 swimmers represented 44 of the nation’s primary schools in the Invitational held at the Point Fortin Community Swimming Pool on Sunday November 26.
Camille Salandy, Manager – Sustainability and Corporate Communications at Atlantic encouraged the participating students, “The Invitational is not just an opportunity to engage in healthy competition in our home community, it allows the young swimmers to develop camaraderie with students from otherschools. When this is combined with a good support system from teachers and parents and good guidance through coaches, it develops a natural love for the sport, and that is what we support at Atlantic.”
The meet featured 68 races in individual and team events in both competitive and non-competitive divisions. At the end of the day, Point Fortin RC Primary School had gained the most points with 134. After consecutive years of taking second place, Point Fortin RC successfully edged out the defending champions and their friendly rival, Bishops Anstey Junior School who placed third. St. Peter’s Private Primary School came in second position with 85 points.
The event also showcased participants in the Atlantic “Learn to Swim” Programme in which students enrolled in Point Fortin primary schools are exposed to the coaching practices of Swim America (the programme used to train the US Olympic swim team). This is facilitated through partnership with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Trinidad and Tobago.
As a sporting champion, Walcott shared how invaluable the experience of friendly competitions are in the refinement of sporting talent.
“Meets such as this ensure the development of the next generation of swimmers and sportspersons. They experience both the fun and the competitiveness of races and relays – which are some of the most enjoyable aspects of sport,” Walcott said.
Atlantic supports several sporting programmes specially developed for primary school youths in its home community of Point Fortin and across the nation. In addition to Sunday’s swim meet, Atlantic became the title sponsor of the inaugural Atlantic National Primary Schools’ Swimming Competition at the National Aquatic Centre earlier this year in June.
Summary of results
Teams/ Schools
Point Fortin RC School
St. Peter’s Private Primary School
Bishops Anstey Junior School
Top Athletes (Competitive Division)
5-7
Jade Haynes – St. Andrew’s School (Girls)
Rylan Thomas – Holy Name Preparatory School (Boys)
8-9
Shauna Nelson – Chaguanas RC Primary School (Girls)
Jacob Cox – Bon Accord Government Primary School (Boys)
10 & Over
Amelia Rajack – St. Peter’s Private Primary School (Girls)
Andre Sandy – Point Fortin RC Primary School (Boys)
Top Athletes (Non-Competitive Division)
5-7
Tamia Archibald – Point Fortin RC Primary School l (Girls)
Kyle Leera – Arima Boys RC School (Boys)
8-9
Kadijah James – Point Fortin Anglican Primary (Girls)
Jaylon Campbell– Scarborough RC School (Boys)
10 & Over
Naomi Joseph – Learning Living Institute (Girls)
Timothy Clarke – Mason Hall Gov Primary School (Boys)