Photo courtesy of BVI Swim Federation
Six young BVI swimmers are to participate in the 10th Annual EU Swim Series in Orlando, Florida scheduled for 19th and 20th at the YMCA Aquatic Center. Hosted by the YMCA of Central Florida, the championship will see swimmers from nine countries participating in the first EU Swim in the Western Hemisphere. Previous EU Swims have been held in France, Brussels, Finland and other European countries. This will be the first time the BVI is participating.
The BVI team will be composed of Kassia Nichols, 12, (Elmore Stoutt High School), Kurt Salapare, 11, (St Georges Primary), Arianna Angus, 10, (St. Georges Primary), Kayla Roberts , 13, (Elmore Stoutt High School), Khadija Sampson 8, (Althea Scatliffe Primary School), and Tia Roberts, 7, (Althea Scatliffe Primary School).
“This championship is open to swimmers of all ages and levels so it will give our kids the opportunity to be exposed to world class age group competition while serving as an excellent prep meet for the OECS Swimming Championship in November,” said Coach and President of the BVI Swimming Federation, Elsworth Phillip, who is accompanying the team. “The slogan of this meet is Swimmers Without Borders which exemplifies the spirit of our swimmers who have been engaging in competitions around the region and the world.”
The EU Swim competition has been held in a different European city and country each year since its start in 2006 and, annually, has attracted between 200-600 swimmers from up to 12 countries. Though begun in Europe, the EU Swim is truly international and inclusive.
The YMCA Aquatic Center where the meet will be held boasts a long history of excellence with a record board that includes swimming greats Matt Biondi, Janet Evans, Missy Franklin and Michael Phelps. The competition itself will be held in the 8-lane, 25 meter by 25 yard pool.
