Newly elected ASAJ president Lance Rochester
Newly elected Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) president Lance Rochester says his administration intends to hit the ground running to execute on their vision to achieve growth, and, by extension, move aquatic sports forward.
Rochester, who is the former vice-president in charge of water polo, takes the reins from Martin Lyn, as he found overwhelming favour with delegates, during the ASAJ’s Annual General Meeting at the National Aquatic Centre on Tuesday.
He tallied 46 votes to Georgia Sinclair’s seven in the election process, which was managed by Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president Christopher Samuda.
Along with Sinclair, the former vice-president in charge of swimming, incumbent Shauna Jackson, was also ousted from the Secretary position by former Treasurer Florence Grizzle-Williams.
Grizzle-Williams earned 40 votes to Jackson’s 12, while Robyn-Ann Chin Sang was unopposed for her post of vice-president in charge of artistic swimming, and Marlon McIntyre has taken over as vice-president in charge of water polo. Richard Hopkins and Michelle Parker, who will serve as treasurer and assistant treasurer respectively, complete the administration.
Rochester pointed out that his first order of business for his administration is to restore accountability and integrity to the association by demonstrating good governance skills.
“It is a very humbling experience to have received the support of a majority of delegates, it is clear that the vision which was outlined connected with members and I am very excited about the opportunities to come, and also to execute what has been outlined,” Rochester told SportsMax.TV.
“I must say I am grateful for the support which the outgoing members provided to this association over the past few years. Sports administration is very challenging and demanding, and so we have to be grateful to those who choose to serve, and of course if they are able to lend support in some other capacity going forward, I am keen to receive that support,” he added.
While admitting that he feels some pressure to deliver accordingly, Rochester explained that he is mentally and strategically prepared to ensure his administration’s two-year term will be a fruitful one.
“Of course, there is pressure to deliver because the vision that was outlined was a bold vision, but the good thing is that I am not alone in this because we have a very strong team that is keen on working to execute,” he declared.
“One of the central objectives is not only to develop an all-island and grassroots programme to ensure that we are identifying talent early, and developing that talent appropriately, but also to ensure that Jamaican boys and girls right across the country are learning how to swim because swimming is an essential life skill.
“We are also moving to develop a high-performance programme to ensure that we are providing the most value and support to our club and national level athletes,” Rochester shared.
Newly elected administration
President – Lance Rochester
1st Vice President – Dr Hilary Nixon in charge of Swimming
2nd Vice President – Robyn-Ann Chin Sang in charge of Artist Swimming
3rd Vice President – Marlon McIntyre in charge of Water Polo
General Secretary – Florence Grizzle-Williams
Treasurer – Richard Hopkins
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Michelle Parker
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Grand weekend celebration planned to honour Grenada's Paris Olympic team
Grenada’s athletes to the Paris Olympic Games are set to be feted with much pomp and pageantry when they return home over the weekend, following their credible performance at the recently-concluded global multi-sport showpiece.
The six-member team comprising Kirani James, Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, Halle Hazzard, Tilly Collymore and Zachary Gresham will be celebrated for their efforts in track and field and in the pool, as they gave Grenada much to be proud of.
Victor’s decathlon bronze, as well as Peters javelin bronze represents the Spice Isle’s highest-ever medal haul at an Olympic Games.
James, the island’s most decorated athlete, just missed out on a medal in the men’s 400m, as he placed fifth.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Government of Grenada announced that ceremonies will take place on Saturday August 17 and Sunday, August 18.
Peters, James and Victor will arrive on Saturday.
“The activities have been put in place to celebrate athletes who have brought glory and honour to our land,” said Acting Minister of Sports Delma Thomas.
“Let’s get together and be part of the grandest welcome ever, as we celebrate Grenadian resilience and excellence,” she added, while encouraging citizens throughout Grenada to organize in their various communities to participate, especially in the events on Sunday.
The athletes will be greeted by government officials, sport associations’ executives and family members, while Grenadians are invited to join the greeting party outside of the airport at 2:00pm. The weekend’s activities will also include a national motorcade on Sunday, August 18, which begins at Morne Rouge and a recognition rally at the Playing field in Victor’s home parish La Sagesse.
Thomas also hinted at some major announcements regarding the development of sports that will be made at the La Sagesse rally. Packages to honour all the Olympians will also be unveiled in a special address by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
Bahamian sports minister praises athletes who represented nation at Paris Olympics
Bahamian Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg has congratulated Bahamian athletes on their performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games.
For the first time in 36 years, the nation failed to win a medal at the Olympics but, nevertheless, Bowleg has offered his congratulations to those who represented the country at the global athletics showcase, noting how difficult it is to even qualify to participate.
“The Bahamas has a proud and storied history at the Olympics, and this year, our athletes continued to build on that rich tradition,” he said in a statement.
“While winning medals is often seen as the pinnacle of success, it’s crucial to recognize that qualifying for the Olympics is an extraordinary achievement in itself. Only a small percentage of athletes worldwide earn the chance to compete on this prestigious stage. Reaching this level is a testament to the unparalleled dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of our Bahamian athletes,” he added.
He continued, “becoming an Olympian is a monumental achievement in itself, regardless of whether one wins a medal. It reflects years of grit, sweat, hard work, and relentless training. Olympians are those who have earned the right to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage, displaying exceptional athletic prowess and representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship.”
Bowleg specially congratulated Devynne Charlton who finished sixth in the Women's 100m hurdles final. The World Indoor champion and record holder was the only Bahamian to advance to a final.
“She showed grit, determination, and true Bahamian spirit on that track. Keep shining and inspiring us all. Your journey is far from over.”
He also praised Charisma Taylor for reaching the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles and Denisha Cartwright, whom he said has a promising future.
The minister lauded swimmers Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs for representing the nation in the aquatics events.
He also praised returning Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and made special mention of Ken Mullings, the first Bahamian decathlete, and Wayna McCoy, the first Bahamian to reach the 200m semi-final.
Also recognized by Bowleg was Mancer Roberts Sr, technical director of Bahamas Aquatics, as the first Bahamian to serve as one of 26 officials in the swimming competition.
He also noted that Bahamas Aquatics President Algernon Cargill presented medals to the 4x200m freestyle male relay winners, and former athlete Mike Sands presented medals to the men’s 400m and women’s triple jump finalists.
Finke smashes world record in impressive 1,500m gold win
Bobby Finke shattered the 1,500m freestyle world record on the final day of swimming at the Paris Olympics, successfully defending his gold medal.
The American stayed below the world-record pace throughout the entire race and finished the race in an outstanding 14 minutes 30.67 seconds, beating Chinese swimmer Yang Sun's time of 14:31.02 from London 2012.
His triumph also ensured a 124-year record stayed intact for the United States, continuing their run of having an individual male swimming champion at the Olympic Games.
Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri finished in second, while race-favourite Daniel Wiffen of Ireland earned a bronze, failing to secure a second gold after winning the 800m freestyle on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old became the first athlete from Team Ireland to win more than one medal in the Games in 28 years, bringing their tally up to six medals, equalling their best-ever haul from 2012.
Meanwhile, in the women's 4x100m relay, Team USA set another world record by winning gold in 3:49.63, breaking the record of 3:50.40 set by the United States at the 2019 World Championships.
The men's 4x100m relay team, however, were aiming to win an 11th-consecutive gold medal in the medley but were beaten to the wall by China, ending a 64-year unbeaten streak in the process.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
