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Competition, and encouraging children to participate in waterbased activities, propels the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) to make strides in and out of the water.
Formerly known as the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association, CIASA is a not-for-profit association comprised of volunteers dedicated to the promotion and development of all aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands.
Among the aquatic activities covered by CIASA are competitive swimming, artistic (synchronised) swimming, and open water (sea) swimming. Water polo and diving also fall under CIASA but are not offered in Cayman as they require larger/deeper pool facilities than what is currently available.
CIASA plans to build a 50-metre pool and aquatics centre, and is in discussions with the Cayman Islands Government regarding a possible partnership to achieve this goal, which will enable us to add a water polo programme and service four of the five disciplines. A diving pool is not currently proposed.
Officially recognised as the national governing body for aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands, CIASA is an affiliated member of organisations like the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), and the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee (CIOC).
CIASA sanctions and is responsible for officiating all swim meets in the Cayman Islands. It organises representative teams for events such as the CARIFTA and FINA Championships; the Island Games; and the Pan Am, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
CIASA maintains the national records for competitive swimming in Cayman and hosts an annual awards gala to award the top performing swimmers each year.
There are currently three thriving, registered clubs operating in the Cayman Islands: the Camana Bay Aquatic Club, Seven Mile Swimmers and Stingray Swim Club. All three clubs are located in Grand Cayman and help youngsters with their development, participation and performance.
CIASA aims to broaden the opportunities for individuals to be involved in swimming at a competitive level. A practical approach to achieve that goal is through a growth in the number of affiliated clubs, catering to a larger geographical spread.
To this end, CIASA promotes the formation of new clubs or the extension of existing club programmes into other areas of the Islands.
Ultimately, CIASA wants local swimmers to advance in the sport while having a comfort with the water that can last a lifetime.
To learn more about local swimming, visit www.ciasa.ky or email ciasaboard@gmail.com.
For more information on NPOs, please contact General Registry by emailing paul.inniss@gov.ky.
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