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Successful partnership with Cayman Islands bodes well for future

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – After the successful launch of the Canadian Open Water Swimming Trials, Swimming Canada hopes to further strengthen its relationship with the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association in the future.

“I’d like to express Swimming Canada’s sincere thanks for the support Cayman Islands ASA provided in running our open water team trials. From the leadership of President Michael Lockwood and Technical Director Bailey Weathers to the volunteers who made the day possible, we appreciate everything that was done to make this event a success,” said Swimming Canada High Performance Director John Atkinson.

Swimming Canada selected six athletes for the FINA World Championships and four for the Pan American Games from the 10-km marathon swim Saturday. It was the first ever dedicated open water trials for Canada. In the past, Canada has selected its open water teams based on performances at another country or organization’s event, including events hosted by Cayman Islands ASA.

“Cayman Swimming and Swimming Canada have enjoyed a good working relationship for the last six years,” Lockwood said. “Cayman has hosted Canadian open water swimmers at our annual Flowers Sea Swims in the past and we were delighted and honoured when Cayman and our very own 7 Mile Beach was chosen to host the first annual Swimming Canada Open Water Trials. The event ran smoothly and the weather was perfect. Congratulations to all swimmers and coaches who have been named to the Pan American and FINA World Championships teams.”

Swimming Canada will now re-evaluate the open water program’s needs for 2020 and beyond, with a view to continuing to work with Cayman Islands ASA.

“All our objectives were achieved and we look forward to future collaboration and to see how we can work together on future events such as this,” Atkinson said. “We will also see how we can look to have swimmers from Cayman involved in some activities we organize for our swimmers as well as links with our coaches.”

“We would like to thank Michael, the volunteers, and the entire Cayman Islands Swimming Association for their hospitality,” added Swimming Canada CEO Ahmed El-Awadi. “We are proud of our athletes and coaches who made this a great event, but we couldn’t have done it without such a great host.”