Kristina Chuck-Smith, team manager of Jamaica’s team for next month’s Goodwill Swimming Championship, says there’s now strong optimism around the young swimmers success after seeing some of the team’s financial burden lifted.

The 2025 Goodwill Swimming Championship is set for August 15 to 17 in Barbados with 40 swimmers from five different age groups, ranging from age 7 to 17, set to represent the national team.

Over the past few months, the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) and the parents of the athletes have tried to reduce the costs to send the youngsters to Barbados through several fund-raising initiatives.

The Jamaica Observer has learnt that each swimmer’s parent would need over a quarter of a million dollars to cover the expenses.

However, several corporate sponsors have come on board including Supreme Ventures Limited who handed over $1 million to the team on Tuesday.

Chuck-Smith says the sponsorships come at an ideal time and has boosted morale ahead of the championship.

“Luckily with the support we’ve received so far, it won’t be so much. Airfare varied because the parents paid for that separately but what we originally had as a number close to $300,000 is now going to be more like $175,000 so we’ve raised $125,000 per swimmer based on the various sponsorships and fund-raising we’ve done,” she told the Observer.

“It’s been really amazing and that’s what gives me such excitement to know that we have the support of the community, that they’re willing to help to get there, so for the parents who have spent quite a bit with training, gear and all of that, they won’t have to expend as much this time.”

It’s also understood that the Sports Development Foundation will make a contribution in the coming days.

Chuck-Smith is also expecting a smoother preparation process for the athletes due to the needed financial boost.

“I’ve advised the parents on how much we’ve raised so far and they’re quite excited. I think once the parents don’t have that anxiety, the kids won’t have the anxiety because kids do feel what their parents feel. Now that we’ve lowered that burden, we’re all excited to go and it will be a great championships,” she said.

Head Coach Lemone Lowe believes the distractions are now behind the team as they look towards a major medal haul in Barbados.

“Preparation has been good. The kids are ready and excited. It’s not just a physical preparation, it’s a mental thing too,” he said.

“Getting them prepared to know that they have to swim hard, focus on what they’re doing and believe in that they’re doing then all of the work they would have put it will connect and come together so they’re ready.”

In 2024, Jamaica finished fourth in the overall table at the championships with 49 medals — 20 gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze.

The 15-17 age group swimmers, Renae Chung and Kabiki Thomas, will serve as this year’s team captains.

— Daniel Blake

Kristina Chuck-Smith, Jamaica’s team manager to the 2025 Goodwill Swimming Championship