Special Karl Dalhouse Swim Meet this weekend
The 28th staging of the Karl Dalhouse Memorial Invitational Swim Meet will take place at the National Aquatic Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, between Friday and Sunday.
The hosts, Y Speedos, founded by Karl Dalhouse, are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and this swim meet, the first on the local swim calendar, will kick off those celebrations.
“This year marks the 28th staging of the Karl Dalhouse Memorial Invitational Swim Meet. We have been hosting it since 1995, but more importantly, this year, we will be celebrating 50 years. The meet, approved by World Aquatics, has been approved for our national swimmers to qualify for the Paris Olympics, and we are proud of that.
“Tornadoes stole the trophy from us last year – we like to think they stole it – but we are coming back big and strong. We feel that in the 50th anniversary, the trophy needs to come back home,” said president of Y Speedos, Lisa Adelle-Jondeau.
Approximately 500 swimmers from local swim clubs and four from the Cayman Islands and Florida will participate at the three-day meet, with local swimmer Sidrell Williams trying to make Olympic qualification times.
New President of the Aquatics Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), Lance Rochester, urged the swimmers to be consistent as they dream of success.
“I encourage all the participating athletes to give their best, dream big and work hard. Be consistent, be patient and keep pushing. Such is the nature of the sport of swimming. The ASAJ is here to support you and looks forward to your support,” he said.
Camille Campbell, public relations manager at Nestle, gold sponsor of the event, encouraged the swimmers to make it unforgettable.
“Milo, a Nestle brand, is thrilled to be part of an event that not only celebrates the legacy of Karl Dalhouse but also promotes the spirit of excellence in swimming. Our commitment to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle resonates strongly with the values of this meet, and we look forward to inspiring and witnessing outstanding achievements in the pool.
“Milo is excited for this weekend. Let’s make this swim meet an unforgettable celebration of aquatic excellence,” Campbell said.
Dionne Henry, brand manager of Good to Grow, also had words of encouragement for the participants.
“This partnership allows us to continue to concretise our commitment to the development and longevity of swimming in Jamaica. I challenge every participant in this upcoming meet to swim like no one is watching.
“The water doesn’t know your limits. It doesn’t care if you’re tired or in pain, but it rewards those who keep going, who keep fighting and who refuse to quit,” Henry said.