Zachary Goes to China

Our swimmer Zachary Jackson Blaine is now en route to China for an almost two month stay. We wish Zachary all the best.

See details from a press release below:-

On July 11, 2018, fifteen (15) swimmers, two (2) Coaches and Team Manager departed the shores of Jamaica to head to China on a 60-day stint under the Jamaica China Technical Cooperation Project on Sports Coaching. Swimming is one of seven sporting disciplines that will participate under the Project. In addition to swimming, another aquatic discipline, Artistic Swimming, will also travel to China under the Project on July 14. The Artistic Swimming contingent will comprise of 14 persons: 11 artistic swimmers, 1 coach, and 2 Team Managers. The Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) is delighted to be involved in this Project and working along with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports (MCGES) to ensure its success.

While in China these teams will undergo rigorous training (both theory and practical) and will also have the opportunity to compete. The teams will train at world-class training venues that have state-of-the-art facilities including indoor olympic pools, dining facilities, fully equipped gym and first class accommodation. The swim team will train at the Haigeng Training Venue (the largest sports training centre in China) located in Hunming City in Yunnan Province. Sitting at an altitude of 1889m above sea level, it offers the opportunity for high performance. Meanwhile, Artistic Swimming will train at the Swimming Training Venue in Chenzhou City in Hunan Province also boasting world-class facilities.

The goal of this three-year Project (2018 - 2020) is to:
1. improve the skill level of local athletes and coaches through this intervention thus leading to improved performances and increased opportunities for advancement in the sporting disciplines identified
2. strengthen sport exchange and cooperation between Jamaica and China
3. assist Jamaica in preparing athletes for regional and international competitions

The Swim Team is as follows :
Swimmers:
1. Akeem Alleyne
2. Zaneta Alvaranga
3. Brianna Anderson
4. Saidah Brown
5. Kito Campbell
6. Tiara Campbell
7. Paris Clare
8. Karci Gibson
9. Zachary Jackson-Blaine (Tornadoes )
10.Zachary Johnson
11. Paige Lewis
12. Kaheem Lozer
13. Dominic Mullings
14. Devaughn Robe
15. Kyle Sinclair

Management Team:
Georgia Sinclair (Team Manager)
Andrea Hanson (Liaison Officer)
Rory Alvaranga (Coach)
Ishmedo Wolfe (Coach)

The Artistic team comprises of the following athletes and officials:
Team Managers: Jacqueline Neil and Patsy Thomas
Coach: Nicole Chin-Shue

Artistic Swimmers:
Ajoni Llewelyn
Alana West
Arianne Smith
Gabrielle Hoo
Imani Salmon
Kelsey Beckford
Laila Bailey
Mishka Gordon
Nyouka Baugh
Regan Griffiths
Shamike Gordon

Both teams will return to Jamaica on September 5, 2018.