LA Swim Club Awards Brightest Stars
Story by Reginald Andrew
Pictures by Anthony Debeauville
13 September 2020
Naima Hazell and Karic Charles were the big winners when the Lightning Aquatic Swim Club held its recent annual awards ceremony.
Dr. Stephen King, a well-known social activist and motivational speaker addressed the gathering of young athletes, accompanied by their parents, peers and supporters.
Dr. King implored the young athletes to harness their skills diligently, while being cognizant of their core values and relations with other athletes, which embrace truth, forgiveness, reconciliation, redemption, and self-awareness.
President of the Saint Lucia Aquatic Federation [SLAF] Eddy Hazell urged the athletes to not give up hope, even in midst of these crucial times brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
While acknowledging the support of persons involved in the development of the sport, the SLAF president stated that association has implemented various programmes, geared “to enhance the growth, functionality and awareness of the importance of swimming both as a sport and leisure to our children and nation.”
Charles and Hazell took home the coveted titles of senior male and female swimmer of the year, respectively; while Arron Charles and Amara Reece were awarded the respective junior titles.
In other individual categories; Naima was also awarded the Girls 13 and over High Points Award, Coaches Award, the Swimmers Choice Award, and the backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle awards respectively.
Karic also added to his stock Most Consistent Boys 11-12 High Points, Butterfly and Backstroke Awards.
Amara’s awards collection also consisted of the High Points Award, Most Improved, Butterfly and Backstroke and awards.
Karic’s younger brother, Arron also collected the following awards: 10 and Under High Points, Most Improved, Butterfly and Breaststroke.
Young saxophonist Glen Henry brought the curtains down with a rendition of a popular tune while the audience stood to join in the refrain for the LA Motto.
