AQUATIC Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) President Lance Rochester believes the new Mayberry Investments Limited High Performance Swim Classic can provide a big boost to the sport locally.

The event, launched on Tuesday at the National Aquatics Centre in Kingston, will take place this weekend, with the high schools and tertiary schools competing on Friday while primary and preparatory schools will compete on Saturday.

With the best swimmers across the island expected to be on display over the two days, Rochester says he’s optimistic the meet will generate greater interest in swimming.

“It’s absolutely critical, and increasing the profile of swimming with meets like these and partners like Mayberry and others helps us attract more attention to swimming. Mayberry has been one of the ASAJ’s longest partners for around 25 years and we’re grateful for their continued support and assistance with the development of swimming in Jamaica,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Rochester is expecting quality performances, especially with members of the national team set to compete ahead of the Carifta Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago next month.

“It’s the last meet before Carifta so the athletes know it is their fine-tuning opportunity — especially in some of the sprint events — so they’ve programmed it in their calendar,” said Rochester.

“It’s also a good thing because it’s a school meet, it’s exciting, they’re with their school friends, so it takes the pressure off them compared to the club meets. So, I know they’re looking forward to it and I’m hoping they’ll get some good times going into Trinidad in a few weeks.”

Meet Director Joseph Reynolds believes the high performance swim classic is a stepping stone for the young swimmers.

“A number of athletes started at [the] Mayberry swim meet. For example, Sidrell Williams has been in the system for years, he’s now 27, and he started at age 6 and has represented Jamaica at the highest level. So, it’s a part of where the athletes begin and where it continues, so it helps them to develop their swimming prowess,” said Reynolds.

Mayberry’s Assistant Vice-President of Sales Karen Hall, who handed over a cheque of $650,000 for the meet, says the company will continue to support aquatics in every way possible.

“We are a company that believes in the power of investment, not only in the markets but also in people, communities, and the future of Jamaica. Our commitment to this event reflects our belief in the values that swimming embodies — discipline, perseverance and excellence.”

Over the two days the heats of each discipline will take place in the morning, with the finals set for the afternoon session. The top primary, prep, high and tertiary schools will be awarded with the championship trophy.