The Bequia Traditional Sailing Academy in collaboration with Rising Stars Swim Team and the SVG Swimming Federation hosted its open water swim meet in Bequia on Sunday October 28th as part of the Independence Regatta. The starting point of the races was at the southern end of the Princess Margaret beach. The course continued up along the coast line, culminating at the Almond trees in Port Elizabeth harbor.
Nineteen (19) swimmers competed in three events across various age categories. The 375m event was favored by the 11 and under age group. Kylia Ollivierre and Sandy Friday were first and second respectively in the female category while the male category was dominated by Dennis Sutherland, Omarion Federick and Aiden Ollivierre: first, second and third respectively. The overall male and female champions were Dennis Sutherland and Kylia Ollivierre.
In the 750m event, there were two categories of males and females, ages: 13-14 and 15 & over. In the 13-14 female age group Kate Ollivierre and Ariana Ollivierre were first and second respectively. Samarie Ragguette was first in the male 13-14 age group. In the 15 & over female category Krista Bynoe was first and in the male 15+ Kyle Dougan and Carsini Pollard were first and second respectively. Kate Ollivierre and Samarie Ragguette were the overall female and male champions respectively in the 750 m event.
Cruz Halbich, Tavonte Forde and Alex Cyrus were first, second and third respectively in the 1500m open male and female event. Mya Defreitas was took first place for females. The overall male and female champions of that event were Cruz Halbich and Mya Defreitas.
Thanks to all who made the event a success, Coach Tauran Ollivierre, the nurses, Fantasea Tours for providing the safety boat, BTSA for providing the snacks and the trophies, SVGSF for the medals and caps, Rainbow Radio League for safety support, and officials Jonelson Compton, Zane Friday, Delroy Stapleton and Ralph Stowe, Tyrell Ragguette.