Hailing its holistic impact over the last three years, Jamaica Inn Foundation Director Kyle Mais says the Swim for the Sanctuary open-water event is hoping to raise over $3 million at this year’s staging.

The event, launched on Wednesday at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, is to take place on Saturday, November 2 at the White River House beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

The annual event, which started in 2021, will see distance events such as the 5k, 3k, 1k and 500m as well as relays, paddle boarding and water polo.

Organisers said all funds raised will go towards the White River Fish Sanctuary which protects and restores the wildlife in the area.

Mais believes the event has contributed to the development of swimming and the improvement of the environment.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled and pleased to see how much support we’ve received, how much it has really impacted the swimming landscape for Jamaica. The feedback we’ve been getting, whether from our schools, swim clubs or international swimmers, they’ve all fallen in love with this event and I think for very good reason,” said Mais.

“The fish sanctuary has been doing incredible work and we want to see it continue and expand their successes which, with the help of our foundation, we think it is going to be on the Jamaica swimming map and also the world map for many years to come.”

The Swim for the Sanctuary open-water swim is sanctioned by the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ). Lance Rochester, the ASAJ president, believes it’s one of the most important events on the association’s calendar.

“The ASAJ is very excited to support anything to do with swimming, promoting learn to swim and open water swimming which has tremendous potential in Jamaica,” said Rochester. “From the perspective of what this particular aims to do, which is supporting the natural environment, conservation and preservation, it’s a natural alliance for us because we believe that as persons gain an appreciation for swimming, engage in the natural environment, that will foster improvements in conservation practices over the future.”

Along with Jamaican competitors, international swimmers from Brazil, United States and the United Kingdom are expected to participate.

Mais says they’re aiming to have 150 participants which would lead to them exceeding their $2 million target set in 2023.

Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) returns at title sponsors for the second year while the likes of Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance, Jamaica Tourist Board, Couples Resorts, Wisynco, Massy Distribution are the gold and silver sponsors of the event.

— Daniel Blake