ASAJ needs a splash of cash for int’l tournaments
Published:Tuesday | June 1, 2021 | 12:12 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) President Martin Lyn says that the prospect of fielding teams for upcoming international competitions could prove to be challenging because of financial difficulties.
The Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN) Swimming Championships could be the first overseas meet that Jamaica participates in since the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition, which was slated to be held in Panama, will now take place in Puerto Rico from June 23-27, as the former nation pulled out because of COVID-19 issues.
Lyn said that the national team for the competition would be determined during a meeting of the federation, but that the ability to go would depend on being able to find the necessary funds for each athlete to compete.
“Each athlete would have to pay approximately $350,000 and as you know, the tight purse strings that everybody has right now is a little of a financial challenge as well,” Lyn told The Gleaner. “So we are hoping that once we ratify the team to go, that we will in fact get some members to agree to pay that amount of money to go.”
Additionally, Lyn says that sponsors are being pursued to provide financial assistance for the team.
Local competitive swimming returned earlier this month after more than a year, with a series of time trials that will determine who has achieved the qualifying standard to compete in meets such as the CCCAN Swimming Championships as well as the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Junior Championships, which are set for August.
FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
Lyn said that they would be in a better financial situation for the FINA World Juniors in August, as FINA provides financial assistance for a set amount of athletes. However, he still anticipates problems in sending additional competitors.
“With the World Juniors, FINA does cover the expenses of some athletes. So we would be in a better position for the World Juniors in terms of finance, with respect to the parents not having to find that expense,” Lyn said. “However, because it’s all the way in Russia, us sending officials, and parents and all that, we would probably find it more challenging (for them).”
With CCCAN being the immediate concern with the deadline for submission of entries being today, Lyn says that the ASAJ is applying for an extension to finalise issues regarding the team.
However, national coach Wendy Lee says that the team will not involve members from her Tornadoes Swim Club, citing quarantine issues upon return from competition that will limit their training schedule. While she says that the athletes have been understanding about the decision, it was difficult to deny them an opportunity to return to regional competition.
“Going to CCCAN and then sitting at home for two weeks after, is not really ideal right now. So I think I, as a coach, I wouldn’t advise any of my swimmers to go ahead. It’s a great disappointment for our swimmers,” Lee said. “It was a hard pill to swallow, but they have been humble and they understand, but it is killing them.”