Record numbers turn out for CUC 15th annual 800m Sea Swim last week

CUC's Mascot Sparky along with the Sea Swim participants

Jodie Foster (right), the winner of the CUC Sea Swim on Saturday

Friday, November 21, 2003

The 15th Annual Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) 800m Sea Swim brought out the crowds to Seven Mile Beach last Saturday. The 800m sea swims are popular events and while 131 competed, many spectators were on hand to witness several first-timers, both young and old, a team from the Brac, two international visitors, and a special guest.

Fourteen-year-old Jodie Foster outpaced the field to place first overall, followed closely behind by Will McFarland. "It was a good race," said Mr McFarland, "it was pretty close, right from the beginning, but Jody came up from third place, and managed to beat us all right at the end." Also showing well were the competitive club swimmers from the Brac Barracudas and local Stingrays.

Lending credence to the widespread popularity of the event was the participation of many eight-and-under and 50-and-over age-group swimmers that comprised almost 20% of the field. Some of those joining Jodie as age-group winners were Geoffrey Butler, Amber Myrie, Victor Thompson, Barb Pedersen, and Godfrey and Judith Finch.

Perhaps the most memorable spectator, especially for the young swimmers, was Sparky, the CUC mascot. Sparky was on hand to welcome each and every finishing swimmer together with Richard Hew, CUC Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer. Mr Hew awarded medals to the top three finishers in each age group, and Sir Sparky gave out memorable prizes including various sized stuffed replicas of him. All competitors received a CUC commemorative t-shirt.

It has been a particularly good season for the Amateur Swimming Association, with several of their members qualifying or hoping to qualify for the Olympics. Kate Alexander, one of the swim's organisers, called that "a big achievement for a small country."

On the 15th anniversary of CUC's sponsorship of this event, Mr Hew commented, "We are indeed extremely proud to have the opportunity to sponsor this event for the past 15 years. Today is special because this swim is the last of the season for this Quincentennial year and, with 131 participants, this was the largest of the CUC-sponsored Sea Swims. CUC commends the Swimming Association and its dedicated team of volunteers for the role they have played in developing the sport in Cayman and for the many successes that are being achieved with our young swimmers in the international arena. To all the participants, we say a special thank you for making this year's event so memorable."

At the conclusion of the event, Jim Fraser, representing CIASA's Open Water Committee, gave thanks to all the participants and volunteers, and special recognition to CUC for their kind support of swimming for the past 15 years. Mr Fraser noted, "Having a sponsor for any event is special, but having CUC support this sea swim for 15 years is extraordinary."

After the race and during award presentations, competitors refreshed on Gatorade, Propel and Le Blue Water beverages, all compliments of Progressive Distributors.

Results are now available on-line at www.caymanswimming.com, Cayman Swimming's website hosted by Internet Financial Services.

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