Three representatives of Cayman’s Swimming Family will represent the Cayman Islands in the 1st FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships being held in Niagara, Canada, August 16-19th 2012.

The three swimmers – brothers Alex and Iain McCallum (Stingray Swim Club) and Tori Flowers (Longhorn Aquatics at the University of Texas in Austin) – will be accompanied by Camana Bay Aquatic Club’s Head Coach Katie Lambert and arrive in Canada on August 14th.

Coach Katie Lambert had this to say about the venue when compared to the athletes’ normal open water experience, “The venue is a man-made lake – the Welland International Flatwater Centre and Recreational Waterway. It is very different from our athletes’ usual open water swim course, the Caribbean Sea off Cayman’s world famous Seven Mile Beach, but the four have been training hard and are up for the challenge. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with these athletes and am very much looking forward to it.”

The event website www.niagraopenwater2012.com provides a wealth of information on the event, and describes the courses in the following manner:

“With nearly 8 km of uninterrupted flatwater, and consistent depth and basin-like characteristics, as well as some of the most placid and beautiful flatwater in the world, the Welland International Flatwater Centre and Recreational Waterway is the perfect location for the 1st FINA World Junior Open Water Swimming Championships. The course for open water swimming is more than 100 metres wide with multiple access points for safety. Paved asphalt trails for viewing and safety considerations border each side of the course which is supplied with clean, fresh water of the highest quality. Every aspect of this unique venue meets or exceeds all existing international standards for open water swimming.

 

Updates will be provided as the Championships get underway>

 

 

The schedule for the event is as follows:

– August 15th – Athlete Development Clinic from 8-11am. The Course will also be open for training from 3-6pm

– August 16th – The course will be open for training along with the pool at Brock

University. Opening Ceremonies from 8-10pm

– August 17th

o 7:00am Warm Up

o 9:00-11:30am Junior Boys (17-18) 7.5 km race (Alex McCallum)

o 11:30-1:30pm Warm Down/Warm Up

o 5:30pm Awards

– August 18th

o 7:00 – 8:30 am Warm-Up

o 9:00 – 11:30 am Junior Girls (17-18 yrs) 7.5 km Race (Tori Flowers)

o 11:30am-1:30pm Warm Up

o 2:30-4:30pm Youth Boys (14-16yr) 5km race (Iain McCallum)

o 5:30pm Awards.

– August 19th

o 9:00am-11:00am Technical Meeting – Team Events

o 11:00am-5:00pm Warm Up/Warm Down

o 4:00-5:00pm Team Event Juniors (Iain and Alex McCallum)

o 6:30pm-7:30pm Closing Ceremonies

o 7:30pm BBQ Dinner for everyone.

– August 20th – Departure from Canada.

o Note: No athletes will be returning to Cayman, they will be taking family vacations at this point.

“We are delighted that Coach Katie has agreed to work with the four athletes who will be representing the Cayman Islands in this prestigious, first ever FINA World Junior Open Water Championships,” said Peter MacKay, CIASA President. “With the incredible venue for Open Water Swimming that the Cayman Islands has, off Seven Mile Beach, the possibility of one day hosting this event here is an exciting one.”

FACTS:

Welland International Flatwater Centre and Recreational Waterway

– Width: 125 – 135 m wide

– Depth: 9.2 m depth over full distance

– Sides: Uniform slope of 29º; docking facilities extend the length of the racing area for

easy embarkment

– Current: Negligible to none – scientifically measured and confirmed

– Water Quality: Excellent quality freshwater – source of municipal drinking supply

– Avg. Water Temp.: 21-24º C in August

– Other: Sheltered from the prevailing SW winds; paved walking paths along both sides of the race area with full visibility for spectators, suitable for rollerblading or biking, nothing will be provided – please bring your own