NESTLé once again partnered with the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) as title sponsors for the Annual Prep/Primary Schools Swimming Championship which was held recently at the National Aquatic Centre.

Sixteen years ago when Nestlé embraced this initiative under its ice cream brand, less than 100 swimmers participated at the event. This year, however, the championship hosted over 700 swimmers from 37 schools, including schools that traditionally were not a part of the sport. Additionally, the company increased its support to the tune of $1 million in cash and kind, through the inclusion of other Nestlé brands such as Juicy Juice, MILO, Milks, Nestlé Breakfast Cereals, Maggi, Nestlé Ice-Cream and Supligen, which targeted mainly the adults who attended.

The company’s corporate ambition is to be recognised globally as the leader in nutrition, health and wellness, and, encouraging physical activities through swimming, is in keeping with this goal. Nestlé appreciates the nexus between performance and nutrition and are cognisant that in order for young swimmers to perform at their best, proper nutrition is just as important as preparation. As such, Nestlé sought to facilitate complete preparation of the swimmers through the branded added benefits they provided from the products they promoted at the event.

“Our partnership with the ASAJ has been very fruitful over the years and we have seen the impact that this championship has made in the lives of young swimmers whose ambition it is to represent Jamaica at the Olympic level”, said Linton Johnson, area manager, Nestlé Ice-Cream.

The partnership between Nestlé and the ASAJ has been extremely successful to date, and the championships have launched the swimming careers of swimmers not only locally but, internationally as well.

A recent success story is the qualification of Anjuii Barette, Jesse Marsh, Shaun Douglas-Gooden, Angara Sinclair, Christian Alberga , Briana Roman, Sidrell Williams and Anabella Lynn for the Central American and Caribbean Championship in Costa Rica in July, 2013, all of whom have participated in the Nestlé swim championships over the last five years.