The Tribune

ROYAL Bank of Canada has presented a $37,000 cheque to the Bahamas Swim Federation (BSF) for this year's Swimming Nationals.

The BSF, in partnership with RBC Royal Bank and RBC FINCO, yesterday announced that the 2012 RBC Bahamas National Swimming Championships is scheduled to be held at the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex June 14-17. The event is expected to feature seven clubs and more than 300 swimmers. The morning sessions are slated to begin at 9am and evening sessions at 6pm.

"This year's swimming nationals is an Olympic- qualifying event. Athletes that are successful at the meet will have the chance to represent the Bahamas at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The championships will feature a highly talented pool of athletes," according to BSF president Algernon Cargill. "We are anticipating a very competitive meet and are pleased that RBC is again partnering with us as the title sponsor of this event."

"RBC will celebrate its 29th consecutive year as the title sponsor of the RBC Bahamas National Swimming Championships. In addition to sponsoring this year's national meet, RBC will again sponsor the Academic All Bahamas Swimming Team awards programme. This initiative aims to recognise and support BSF student athletes who display excellence in sports and academics," said Jan Knowles, RBC's regional manager for public relations and communications.

To be recognised as part of the Academic All Bahamas Swimming Team, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and have achieved a BSF national time standard in an individual swimming event.

"Our support of this award is in keeping with RBC's commitment to youth and education and we support swimming because we believe that athletic training is critical to helping young people realise their full potential," she said.

The Swimming Nationals will be televised live on Cable Channel 12. The official opening ceremony is all set to take place 6pm June 15 and the presentation of the Academic All Bahamas Swimming Team awards is scheduled to take place at that time. Tickets for each day's events can be purchased at the door. The Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim Complex is located at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, near the new national stadium.