The National Aquatic Centre was buzzing with excitement as the Mayberry Investments Limited annual two-day All-Island Swim meet got under way last Friday (March 24).

Hosting more than 1,000 athletes from various prep, primary and high schools across the island, the 25th year of the flagship event saw record-breaking performances from the swimmers.

With approximately 80 events held on day one, the high school and tertiary athletes thrilled spectators with intense races.

In the Girls 15-16 100M Freestyle, Aliyah Heaven of Campion College came in first place with a winning time of 1:05.52.

For males, Charles McIntosh of St George’s College won the Boys 15-16 100M Freestyle in a time of 58.17 seconds.

Lia Forrestor of the University of Technology won the tertiary equivalent of the Girls 100 M Freestyle.

Wolmer’s Boys came out victorious in the Boys 17 & over 200M Medley relay while St Andrew’s High took the trophy for the Girls equivalent. Christanya Shirley of Immaculate Conception High won the Girls 13-14 50M Breaststroke in 36.02 seconds while Benjamin Davis of Cornwall College won the Boys 13-14 50M Breaststroke in 32.64 seconds. Immaculate Conception and Wolmer’s Boys won the top Girls and Boys school trophy, solidifying their dominance at the top of the table.

The investment firm said it would always champion sports development aimed at creating a better community for Jamaican children.

Said Desiree Wheeler, senior marketing officer at Mayberry: “It was a beautiful two days of competitive swimming. It was great to see the schools cheering on their teams and having fun while doing so. I am always in awe of how hard these young athletes work and train to treat us to such good sportsmanship.”

As the largest swim meet in Jamaica, The Mayberry All-Island Swim Meet impacts the lives of the young swimmers, and is looked forward to with each year that passes.

On day two (March 25) of the MIL Swim Meet, the prep and primary school competitors shocked spectators with their jaw dropping performances.

Rhys Hunter of Mount Alvernia High School won the Boys 10-12 200M in 2:50.04, while Addison Thomas of Mona Preparatory won the Girls 10-12 200M in 3:12.01. Zoya Hawes came out victorious in the Girls 11-12 50M Freestyle, while Hillel Academy’s Arush Rochlani took home the Boys 9-10 50M Freestyle gold medal. Hillel Academy walked away with the winning trophy for top girl and boy school in the preparatory level, with Excelsior Primary going home with the top Primary School trophy.

For the second year, The FirstRock Group has partnered with Mayberry to facilitate the event.

“We’re so happy to have partnered with Mayberry and ASAJ for the second year in a row, for this the 25th staging of the All-Island Swim Meet. Competitions like these are integral to the development of our youth, as they instill values such determination and discipline that can only have a positive impact on the students’ lives. Congratulations to all the students and we look forward to continuing this partnership with Mayberry and ASAJ.” asserted Sable-Joy McLaren, marketing manager of FirstRock Group.

The company said it was grateful to the sponsors who made the meet a success.

“I would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support over the years. Thank you to our title sponsor, the FirstRock Group, and our associate sponsors IronRock, Lasco iCool Water and Pure Country.It is with your help that we are able to successfully host this meet,” said Wheeler.

Mayberry Investments Limited sponsored the 25th staging of the All-Island Swim Meet to the tune of $650,000 and additional prizes. The Mayberry Swim Meet began in 1999 and is the company’s way of contributing to the development of swimming in Jamaica. The company urged corporate Jamaica to come on board for the 26th staging in 2024.