ORGANISERS of the third annual staging of the Jamaica Inn Foundation Open Water Swim for the Sanctuary have set a target of at least $2 million, which they hope to raise from this year’s staging of the event.

Swim for the Sanctuary, which will be held at White River House beach, located at Park Beach Hotel in Ocho Rios, is scheduled for November 11.

Swimmers from all levels are invited to participate in races of varying distances for individuals, including a 500m, 1K, 3K, 5K and a 4x100m relay event, as well as a 500m paddleboard race. There will also be a water polo exhibition match, to be contested for the first time since the inception of the competition.

Kyle Mais, a director of Jamaica Inn Foundation, said they are very excited about this year’s event, adding that he is looking forward to a very successful championship. He said the event raised over $1 million last year and so they are hoping to double that amount this year.

“The target this year is two million dollars, and if we can get there then that will be great for us but it is all based on the number of swimmers that come out on the day. And if we can get as many entrants as possible, including foreign entrants, then that would be great for us,” said Mais.

“I can’t tell you how excited we are with this being our third annual event. Last year we had just over 100 swimmers, which had grown from the previous year, and so the demand is certainly there and so we are expecting a much bigger championship this year,” he said.

“I am expecting more international participants this year. And, as you know, all entry fees raised go directly to the White River Fish Sanctuary and so it is a very important part of their fund-raising because the sanctuary relies on the Jamaica Inn Foundation to help support them with their operational needs,” Mais pointed out.

Dr Carey Wallace, executive director of Tourism Enhancement Fund, said his organisation is delighted to be donating $2 million towards the staging of this year’s event.

“This is just one more thing that will make us great, and for people to enjoy and swim for the sanctuary,” said Dr Wallace. “It is a win for the environment and it is a win for sport tourism, where our visitors come and get this opportunity to swim and to compete on one of the most prestigious beaches in Ocho Rios and to participate among some really great Jamaicans,” he said.

“I want to encourage as many persons to come because, even if you are not swimming directly, it is a great hang out spot to be at on that day on November 11,” Dr Wallace stated.