Belinda Collier-Morrow, director of the White River Fish Sanctuary, said that the 2024 Jamaican Inn Foundation Swim for Sanctuary Open Water Swim has exceeded expectations despite a postponement from its original date.

The event, held at Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on November 30, aimed to raise funds for the White River Fish Sanctuary, which plays a vital role in protecting and restoring the local wildlife. The sanctuary is a critical habitat for numerous marine species, and the funds raised from the event will go towards supporting conservation efforts.

Collier-Morrow expressed her delight with the turnout, saying, “We really exceeded expectations. To be honest, we were to have the event on the 2nd of November and we had to [postpone]. It’s challenging to get an event going again after a [postponement] but we’re thrilled with the turnout.”

Collier-Morrow said that the event has grown significantly since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She highlighted the growing international appeal with the event featuring various distances, including a 5K race introduced last year to attract international competitors and potentially contribute to Jamaica’s Olympic swimming prospects.

“The 5K event is now an international competition, and we hope it will help our swimmers qualify for the Olympics. How great would that be to have one of our Jamaican swimmers in open water for the Olympics. So it is a great way to put Jamaica on the map, put our sea on the map, and help our conservation efforts,” Collier-Morrow told the Jamaica Observer.

The primary fund-raising goal for the event was $3 million, and Collier-Morrow is confident that they will not only reach but exceed that target.

The event also highlighted the importance of community involvement and support.

Collier-Morrow emphasised, “We’re not just about the swim; we’re also about engaging with the local community. We had local vendors on site, and we provided meals for our volunteers. It’s a great way to showcase our commitment to the local community and to promote sustainable tourism practices.”

As the White River Fish Sanctuary continues to work towards its conservation goals, events like the Swim for Sanctuary play a critical role in raising awareness and funds.

“We’re grateful for the support of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers. Together, we can make a difference and protect our precious marine resources for future generations,” said Collier-Morrow.

Kemar Lewis, head of marketing at Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ), the title sponsor for the swim meet, said that his company believes in the mission of the White River Fish Sanctuary, which aims to protect Jamaica’s marine life and unique biodiversity.

“Through this open water swim, they have used this medium to invite young Jamaicans, Jamaicans of all ages, to swim in aid of the foundation. We need to get a little bit more involved to see the beauty of Jamaica. So much time we put out and invite our friends from all over the world to come and participate, and we ourselves are not necessarily getting an opportunity to do so,” he said.

Lewis said that the sanctuary has been working tirelessly to rebuild coral reefs and protect marine wildlife and he praised the foundation’s efforts, saying, “They have been working effortlessly to see this reality. We’re proud to support their mission and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.”

According to Gahnelle Curling, senior brand manager of Quaker and Bumblebee at Massy Distribution, her company was drawn to the event because of its focus on marine preservation.

“We have several brands that are big on coral reefs preservation, marine preservation, and so that’s definitely one of Quaker and Bumblebee’s social responsibility pillars,” she explained.

Curling also noted that the event’s focus on swimming made it a natural fit for the company’s portfolio of brands.

“We have other brands that are just swimming brands, so it is just a swimming event and we said we have to be here and take care of the participants,” she said.

Other sponsors of the event were Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance, Jamaica Tourist Board, Couples Resorts, and Wisynco.

Meanwhile, Charles McIntosh won the Male 5K Swim in a time of 1:16:34 minutes, and Alexis Anglin took the Female equivalent in 1:41:19 minutes.

Matthew Kennedy took the Male 3K Swim in a time of 44:33 minutes and Alyssa Jefferson won the Female 3K Swim in 46:17 minutes.

In other results, Sergio Dalrymple won the Male 500m Swim in 9:15 minutes; Sinclair Sage won the Female 500m Swim in 10:36 minutes; Jordan Kennedy won the Male 1K Swim in 15:35 minutes; Sarah Burke won the Female 1K Swim in 17:20 minutes; the 4x100m Relay was won by Y-Speedos in 8:46 minutes; while the 500m Paddle Board Female was won by Stephaine Brenan.

CURLING…we have several brands that are big on coral reefs preservation, marine preservation, and so that’s definitely one of Quaker and Bumblebee’s social responsibility pillars (Ruddy Allen)

LEWIS… we’re proud to support their mission and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come (Ruddy Allen)

COLLIER-MORROW…we’re grateful for the support of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers. Together, we can make a difference and protect our precious marine resources for future generations. (Ruddy Allen)