The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Mashramani Meet got off to an exciting start yesterday morning after the association finally secured the green light for the use of the 50-metre pool at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC), Liliendaal.
A press release from the association confirmed that events for the meet got underway yesterday, with the participation of several newcomers from the Silver Gliders Aquatic Swimming Club from Moruka.
And it was Hannibal Gaskin who copped the first gold medal of the meet after winning the boys 13-14 800m freestyle event in 10.19.59s, shaving almost 40 seconds off his previous time. Also striking gold was Britany van Lange who won the girls 15-17 800m freestyle (10.46.80s) ahead of Soroya Simmons (11.41.34s).
Just a day before the meet, on Wednesday, GASA had announced in a press release its intention to call off the meet after it was their understanding that permission was not granted for the use of the NAC facility, which is being operated by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
GASA’s subsequent press release gave no details as to what transpired but reports are that permission was finally granted late Wednesday night when the ministry contacted GASA officials after it was broadcast that the association intended to call off the meet.
Additionally, no mention has been made about whether the Goodwill Swimming Championships (GSC) will be held in Guyana this August, or the possibility of hosting future CARIFTA Swimming Championships.
In Wednesday’s press release the association had cited its intent to notify other participating nations of their reluctance to host the tri-nation GSC “as a result of ongoing challenges” between the association and the ministry over the use of the National Aquatic Centre.
Guyana was also hopeful of hosting the 2013 CARIFTA Swimming Championships but GASA also mentioned discussing the cancellation of that as well.
