39 swimmers headed to Suriname for developmental meet
With swimming activities winding to a close for 2018, five of the local clubs have joined forces to expose new talents to the forefront and give the seasoned campaigners more opportunities to better their times.
It means that 39 of some of Guyana’s most promising prospects in the pool will depart these shores on Thursday (December 13) for the annual Vos End of the Year Invitational Meet in Paramaribo, Suriname.
According to Head Coach of the contingent, Sean Baksh, the meet is designed to gauge the development of swimmers who are on the cusp of national selection.
The clubs in partnership for the trip across the border are Sea Otters, Sliver Sharks, Orca and Dolphin Swim Club, while Dorado Speed Swim club heads to Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday (December 12).
Given the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) is currently in its Short Course phase, national coach Baksh explained the trip aligns with the quest to give young swimmers who missed out on national duties earlier in the year, a chance to show their worth.
Baksh was at the time speaking after a training session earlier this week at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.
He revealed the Guyanese have attended the meet for six years and reaped most of the desired results and this year should be no different.
Focus is not only on this meet since 2019 is key in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the experienced coach stated they want to push for some of their top swimmers to qualify for the prestigious games.
In addition to the 39 swimmers, 20 officials, inclusive of parents, are expected to make the trip for the event, which occurs on Saturday and Sunday.
At their previous appearance at the event in Suriname, they won 24 medals, with Aleka Persaud and Leon Seaton Jr. being the record-breaking performers.