By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER the completion of its final trials over the weekend at the King’s College School’s 25-metre pool, Bahamas Aquatics has selected a quality 36-member team on their quest to win a sixth straight CARIFTA swimming championship title.

As host of the championships from March 29 to April 3, hopefully with the completion of the renovations to the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, Bahamas Aquatics will also have seven females and seven males each competing in the open water swim at Long Wharf Beach.

All year long, BA, headed by president Algernon Cargill, has had to host their meets in 25 metre pools because of the renovations to the only 50 metre pool on the island.

Despite the difficulties they experienced, Travano McPhee, who will return as the head coach, commended the swimmers for the effort they made.

“Our swimmers went through a lot but, as always, showed that they will always be champions by swimming outstanding at the CARIFTA trials,” McPhee said.

Having served as the head coach for the five straight years that the Bahamas won the title, McPhee said he’s elated to be back with the team for the six-peat.

“I expect us to show as always that Bahamians will always defend their home turf and we will rise to the occasion and show the Bahamians, the Caribbean and the world that we are true champions and bring home six straight victories as champions.”

McPhee encouraged Bahamians to come out and show their support for Team Bahamas, which will comprise of the following swimmers named below:

Female swimmers

11-12 - Sienna Campbell, Isabella Cuccurullo, Alissa Ferguson, Taylen Nicolls, Tiah Seymour and Skyler Smith.

13 -14 - Saleste Gibson, Madison Gilbert, Siann Isaacs, Lelah Lewis, DNDN McKenzie, Kimaya Saunders and Jaylah Threadgill.

15-17 - Rhanishka Gibbs, Katie Goulandris, Kyana Higgs, Seannia Norville-Smith, Mia Patton, Elle Theberge and Zoe Williamson.

18 and over - Grace Farrington, Delaney Mizell, Victoria Russell and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson.

Male swimmers

11-12 - Blake Comarcho, Christon Joseph, Sean Norville-Smith, Benecio Robinson and Harold Simmons.

13 -14 - Maxwell Daniels, William Farrington, Lenin Hamilton, Dijon Simmons and David Singh.

son, Ellie Gibson, Tristen Hepburn, Asher Johnson, Marvin Johnson and Caden Wells.

18 and over - Jack Barr, Thomas Bowers, Emmanuel Gadson, Joshua Murray, Lamar Taylor, Erald Thompson and Mark-Anthony Thompson.

Open Water Team Female swimmers

14-15 - Allyssa Burrows, Madison Gilbert and Alexia Zatarain.

16-18 - Giada Bertoldo, Grace Farrington, Alanna Murray and Layla Saidi.

Male swimmers

14-15 - Damari Butler, William Farrington and Myles Saunders.

16-18 - Jack Barr, Daniel Ferguson III, Malcolm Menzies and Donald Saunders.

The management team is comprised of the following: Travano McPhee - Head Coach; Camron Bruney - Assistant Coach; David Del Cuato - Assistant Coach’ Mancer Roberts Jr. – Open Water Coach’ Allan Murray – Open Water Coach; Karon Pinder-Johnson - Team Manager and Ariel Weech - Female Chaperone.

King’s College School, the leading international school, which will be opening its residential wing in 2025 and is part of Inspired, the world’s leading group of premium schools, collaborated with the Ministry to host and manage the swim meet, gifting use of its 25 metre, 8 lane, certified, competition swimming pool for the CARIFTA swimming trials.

The school prides itself on its outstanding facilities, and the campus also boasts a multi-purpose auditorium, outdoor facilities, including its state-of-the-art 25-metre competitive swimming pool, tennis and padel courts, a FIFA regulation-size football pitch with 5G AstroTurf, two five-a-side pitches, and expansive adventure playgrounds.

King’s College School, whose investment in education in The Bahamas nears $80 million, considers the hosting of the CARIFTA game trials as a further opportunity to support the flourishing of young Bahamians across the nation.

Said Nadim Nsouli, founder, chairman and CEO of Inspired: “At Inspired, we appreciate that schools form a vital part of the community.

“By providing first-class educational and sporting facilities to The Bahamas, we support the nurturing of students in a holistic way, enabling them to fulfil their potential and contribute to society as the leaders of tomorrow.

“Likewise, the CARIFTA Games are a pivotal Caribbean event, and a springboard for the many world-class athletes our region has produced, examples of young people striving to reach their full potential.”

Matteo Rossetti, principal of King’s College School, said they were incredibly proud to support the Ministry and host the CARIFTA trials, and “to be able to do so in just our second year of operations is amazing.

“It is a privilege for us to give back to our commu- nity in The Bahamas in this way,” Rossetti said.

“This is yet another opportunity to support the thriving of young people in our local communities, and we look forward to continuing doing so, in collaboration with our partners, in the years to come.”

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture expressed gratitude to King’s College School for offering its campus for their use.

The Bahamas last hosted the CARIFTA Aquatics Championship in 2017.