Large contingent of young swimmers will represent Antigua and Barbuda at upcoming CARIFTA Games in Barbados

One of the country’s largest swimming contingents in recent history will be taking part in the 2022 CARIFTA Games in Barbados, to be held from April 16 – 20.

Antigua and Barbuda will be represented by a team of 13 athletes, with aspiring competitors ranging from 11 to 17 years.

Attending Coaches Wayne Mitchell and Nelson Molina are hard at work preparing for what they envisage will be an outstanding athletic showing.

The competing swimmers are Reuben Edwards and Davina Barton in the 11-12 age group; Ethan Stubbs-Green, Tivon Benjamin, Davien Barton, Alandra Dublin, Aunjelique Liddie, Ellie Shaw, and Selah Wiltshire in the 13-14 age group; and Tony Goodwin, Matthew Kotze, Angelique Gittens, and Arianna John in the senior group aged 15-17 years.

They will compete in several categories, including the Butterfly and Freestyle and Backstroke and Breaststroke competitions. There will also be relay events for the various categories.

Reports are that another “talented athlete, Sydnee Hesse … is unable to attend due to personal commitments, but should be applauded on her qualification accomplishments.”

According to a release from the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation, “These astonishing athletic endeavors are far more impressive due to the current lack of comprehensive training facilities on island.”  It notes that there is only one working pool following close-down by the COVID-19 pademic.”