The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Bank of Canada (RBC) continues to show its support for the Bahamas Swimming Federation (BSF).

RBC yesterday hosted Team Bahamas - members of the Carifta swim team expected to compete this weekend - to a special reception at the bank's East Hill Street headquarters.

For being a member of the team, each swimmer was presented with a certificate of appreciation and an RBC gift bag.

In addition, George Roache, market head of business banking, announced that RBC would provide the BSF with an additional $35,000 for the 2012 National Swimming Championships and the Academic All Bahamas Swimming Team Award.

"At RBC, supporting our youth is one of the core areas of focus for our community involvement programmes," Roache said. "Here in the Bahamas, we've chosen to support the Bahamas Swimming Federation because we believe that athletic training is critical to helping young people realize their full potential."

Roache said swimming is a sport that not only exercises the body but also requires setting personal goals and working hard day in and day out in order to meet and exceed the swimmer's goals.

"I want to thank the Bahamas Swimming Federation for the crucial role they play in teaching our youth how to be the best that they can be," he said. "We must also recognise all of the coaches, committee members, parents and friends for the unwavering support you provide these young athletes."

Referring to the BSF's National Championships, Roache said RBC has been the title sponsor for nearly three decades so they are pleased to continue their commitment by providing the $35,000 for this year's event.

On behalf of Charles Maynard (who was returning from the Carifta Games in Bermuda), Kevin Colebrooke, senior sports officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, thanked Royal Bank for their support of swimming over the years.

Colebrooke also encouraged the swimmers to go out and perform to the best of their ability.

Cecille Greene, representing the BSF, said that while they are preparing for Carifta, they want to remember Laura Morley who won't be able to come home for the Games because she is receiving medical attention at a hospital in the US.

Greene, however, said the other swimmers have pledged to step up and help fill the spot that Morley has left vacant in the girls' 15-17 division.

Alana Dillette, a former Carifta standout who came home for the Easter break, said she is very pleased with what she has seen from Team Bahamas. She is scheduled to depart today to continue her training for the London Olympics.

"From what I've heard, this is the best team that we have had in a long time," she said. "Unfortunately, some of the faces are not familiar to me but everybody seemed very enthusiastic and ready to compete. "It's at home. I remember when I competed at Carifta at home. I was very excited. So I'm looking forward to hearing some good things from them this weekend."

With the event being held at home, Dillette said she was able to talk to the swimmers during a practice on Saturday and she advised them to "just have fun and to soak in the experience of the crowd."

"You're at home and swimming in front of all your family and friends so have fun and be confident because you were chosen to be a part of this team, so just go out there and do your best."