A 37-strong delegation of young swimmers from Barbados has touched down in Trinidad, gearing up to compete at the 30th annual Goodwill Swimming Championships, a three-day regional aquatic competition scheduled to take place from August 14 to 16.
Stacy Blunt, the team’s manager, shared that the roster brings together athletes across multiple age divisions, starting from competitors under the age of 8 all the way up to swimmers in the 15 to 17 age bracket. Over the preceding months, every member of the squad has put in consistent, rigorous work to get ready for the regional meet, Blunt noted. She highlighted the extraordinary level of dedication the team has displayed in their training sessions, saying the group is fully prepared to embrace the upcoming challenge while carrying national pride with them. Blunt also took the moment to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes contributions of the team’s supporting management staff, an unsung group that she says lays the groundwork for the athletes’ success.
This year, Jefferson Greenwich steps into the role of head coach for the Barbados team, with support from two of the country’s most accomplished female swimming coaches, Aquila Lashley and Tamara Patrick. Leading the squad as team captains are Walon Yarborough and Amaya Harrison, and Blunt expressed full confidence that the pair will execute their leadership responsibilities effectively.
For a large number of the young athletes participating, the Goodwill Championships marks their first chance to compete against top talent from across the Caribbean region. Beyond the competition itself, Blunt emphasized that the event offers valuable opportunities for the swimmers to build cross-border friendships, boost their self-confidence, and create lasting personal memories that will stay with them throughout their athletic careers.
While winning medals and setting new personal best times remain key goals for the delegation, Blunt underlined that the team wants its young competitors to recognize that earning the chance to represent Barbados on a regional stage is already a meaningful achievement and a unique honor. “We are here to push our limits and improve our times, but above all, we want every swimmer to savor the entire experience,” Blunt added.