On entering the National Stadium Swimming Pool, it was evident that there was a competition in progress from the resounding cheers from members of the Force and their families, as they encouraged the swimmers.

This year’s competition saw a new era unfolds as a new champion swimmer was crowned. Private Omar King of the Support and Services Battalion was crowned Champion Swimmer.

King achieved this by dethroning Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) David Richards of the Third Battalion the Jamaica Regiment, who had won the competition for 22 of his 26 years in the Jamaica Defence Force.

At Unit level, the competition was a battle between 2 JR and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard (JDF CG) who were tied on points after the final event; But the men were separated from the boys when 2 JR won the combat relay event.

At the presentation ceremony, the Force Swimming Officer, Lieutenant Noel Lewis stressed the significance of persons learning to swim.   He said that by learning how to swim one can save his and other persons’ lives.

The Chairman of the Sports Board, Colonel Rocky Meade, expressed the similar sentiments, as he reiterated the importance of persons learning how to swim.

He went on to say that swimming affects professional development in the Force as one’s promotion relies heavily on honing this skill.

The Swimming Competition allows members of the Force to showcase their swimming talents.  It also helps members of the Force to develop their swimming skills at a competitive level.

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