THE 22nd staging of the annual Karl Dalhouse Invitational swim meet is scheduled to take place at the National Aquatic Centre, Independence Park Sports Complex, February 3-5.

The announcement was made at a media launch held on Monday at the YMCA Office.

The participating clubs this year are defending champions Y Speedos Swim Club, Tornadoes Club, Marlins Club, Aqua marine Ripples, Dolphins Swimming Club, Blue Seals, Royal Swim Club, Swimmers Aquatic, Wahoo Swim Club, and Sail Fish Swim Academy.

This year’s edition, which will be held for the first time at the National Aquatic Centre, is expected to only feature local swimmers.

The meet begins 4:30 pm tomorrow, with two sessions scheduled for Saturday, 8:30 am, and 3:30 pm, with the final session on Sunday commencing at 9:30 am.

Some of the leading swimmers expected to be on show are Christanya Shirley of the Marlins, who rewrote the national records eight times last year in the eight and under age-group, will now step up to the 9-10 category.

Zaneta Alvaranga of the Y Speedos is also expected to share the limelight.

FLOW — one of two major sponsors — promises a total package of $500,000. Flow says $200,000 will be in cash, while the rest is for providing WiFi and various prizes for participants and patrons.

Stephen Miller, sports sponsorship co-ordinator at FLOW Jamaica, said he is extremely proud to be partnering with the Y Speedos Swim Meet.

“Our longstanding relationship with the Karl Dalhouse Invitational Swim Meet only further underscores this belief, and like athletics and football, swimming has the potential to further establish Jamaica on the global map,” Miller said.

Paula Hurlock, CTC manager at Sutherland Global Services Limited — the other major sponsor — said she was very pleased to be a part of the YMCA organsiation that has done a lot over the years.

“We want to give back something to the community, especially to the youth, as it is very important as we need to make a social impact in Jamaica,” she said.

Annette francis Barnett, vice-president of Y Speedos Swim Club, gave her club’s commitment to develop swimming competitions in Jamaica.

“We are looking toward an exciting competitive competition among the swimmers, along with fast times and records tumbling as well. The swim meet wouldn’t be possible without the swimmers, and i must thankall the sponsors who have come on board to make it a very successful event,” said francis Barnett.

The other sponsors are GraceKennedy Capital, Guardsman Group, Jetcon and Hi-Lyte sports drink.