BSSS shines at Independence Day Open Water swim race

Seven Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) swimmers competed in Bequia, on Sunday, October 27, at the Independence Day Open Water swim race, hosted by the Rising Stars Swim Team, in collaboration with the Bequia Traditional Youth Sailors.

Youngsters Mia Bailey and twins Daniella and Natalie Clarke competed in the 350 metre girls 12 years and under category. It was Mia who swam the fastest and won the race taking the gold medal, whilst Daniella beat the rest of the swimmers and claimed the silver medal. Her sister Natalie held to and clinched the bronze medal.

Competing in the 1,500 metre race was Mya DeFreitas in the girls 13 to 14 years category, Eltonte’ Leonard in the Boys 13 to 14 years category, while both Aaron DeFreitas and Cruz Halbich competed in the boys 15 years and over category. Both Mya and Eltonte’ captured gold, whilst both Cruz and Aaron dominated their age group, with Cruz receiving the gold and Aaron the silver medal.

BSSS coach Kyle Dougan said “it was great to see the results from all the BSSS swimmers and also great to see them swimming with such good fitness levels. Rising Stars did a fantastic job hosting the competition and I would like to express our gratitude to Kim Halbich for kindly helping with the transportation of the swimmers from St Vincent to Bequia.”