Swimming is Coming of Age

THE INCREMENTAL RISE in the fortunes of Swimming as a sport in St Vincent and the Grenadines must be lauded and acknowledged for its sustained growth and development.

From a pint sized thought as a past time, the dependence on the natural sea, and the generosity of private entities to afford swimmers the use of their pools, have laid the foundation to what occurs today.

Significantly, the transformation of the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, which was once a mosquito and toad-infested pool, must be thumbed as well as a critical turning point.

The executive of the then St Vincent and the Grenadines Amateur Swimming Association, led by Andre Cadogan was able to convince the National Properties Limited, donors, government to align with the association’s sheer will, to bring the facility to fruition.

A formal opening in January, 2012 thus was the kick board for the start of good things. With the formation of swim clubs, the certification of coaches, the acquisition of modern pool apparatus, attracting of corporate support- such has been the transition and impact the facility that it has hosted three OECS Championships, 2019, 2024 and most recently, the 2025 edition, which ran from November 7 to 9. This again speaks volume to the tenacity of all parties concerned that persevered despite the many challenges and stumbling blocks to realise a facility that can host a championship among sub -regional countries.

Swimming has grown into a discipline that in which St Vincent and the Grenadines is earning respect in the sub-region and the wider Caribbean.

Significantly over the years, the sport has moved away from being tabooed as a rich people and bourgeoisie undertaking , and embedded in the psyche of many that it was reserved for a selected few.

The introduction of Grass-roots Swimming programmes targeting areas where young persons are deemed at risk has done a lot not only as an outreach, but has helped erase some of the beliefs that only the well- to-do can get engaged in formal swimming.

Additionally, the sport was taken into the schools, therefore spreading out the catchment of potential competitive swimmers.

Hence, beyond the sport, learning to swim is an important life-skill for Vincentians to possess, granted that as an island-nation we are surrounded by water and waterways.

With such foundations laid, it is no contradiction that the results in the pool are testament to the solidification of the sport from the ground up.

The three successive third places for St Vincent and the Grenadines at the OECS Championships-2023 to 2025- reflect that posture that the process enables the product.

Likewise, for eleven consecutive hosting of the Carifta Championships, St Vincent and the Grenadines has come away with at least one medal, an accomplishment that is worthy of commendation and highlight. The success of the local clubs which often pit their skills regionally- namely in Barbados, St Lucia and Grenada for those countries’ respective championships- add to the assurance of year-long competition. Here at home, there are regular competitions among the clubs, and with reciprocity swimmers of neighbouring territories will jet across to add that regional flair.

Therefore, the seeds have been sown and growth is evident. However, one has to constantly put the systems in place for sustenance and continuity of the success that is almost assured.

The onus is on the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation to work with the clubs, the coaches, parents and other stakeholders to spread the sport even more.

Building on what is currently taking place is paramount to have swimming as a go-to sport for St Vincent and the Grenadines, and to maintain that visibility and presence on the sub- regional and regional scene.