Black Sands Launches New Meet to Give Developing Swimmers a Chance to Compete 

By S.Browne. Updated 6:49 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) has launched a new competitive opportunity for developing swimmers, with about 20 children between the ages of 6 and 13 taking part in their first swim meet at the club’s inaugural Developmental Swim Meet.

The event was held on September 26, 2026, at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Center in Ratho Mill and brought together 84 swimmers from across the region.

The field included 41 swimmers from BSSS, 18 from Blue Marlins, 18 from H2O Lions, six unattached swimmers and visiting swimmer Greyson Burrell of Blue Marlins Swim Academy in St. Kitts and Nevis.

BSSS said the meet was created to give swimmers who may not yet be ready for major championships an opportunity to race, gain competitive experience and enjoy the sport.

The club said its aim was to create a meet centred on the swimmers and to bring the swimming community together while providing developing athletes with more opportunities to compete.

That approach was reflected in a programme that included both competitive and recreational events.

One of the highlights was an open 25-metre freestyle race, which was available to all swimmers rather than being restricted to those aged eight and under. BSSS said the event allowed older beginner swimmers to compete alongside more advanced swimmers, resulting in a fast-paced sprint.

The meet also featured two fun relays.

In the kickboard relay, teams of four swimmers competed using a kickboard as the relay baton. The T-shirt relay required swimmers to race in a T-shirt before transferring the wet shirt to the next teammate, adding an additional challenge to the event.

Greyson Burrell’s participation also brought a regional element to the meet. BSSS said Burrell had returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a two-week specialised training programme with BSSS Head Coach Kyle Dougan. The programme marked Burrell’s second training programme with BSSS in 2026.

Tropical Shipping supported the inaugural meet by covering the financial costs associated with setting up the event and providing branded tote bags, swim caps and towels.

According to BSSS, Tropical Shipping’s Country Manager Cedric McIntyre, who regularly swims at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Center for fitness, discussed the opportunity to support the meet with the club.

BSSS said ribbons were awarded to swimmers placing from first through eighth, rather than limiting recognition to the top three finishers.

The club hopes the Developmental Swim Meet will become an annual event and continue to grow, attracting more swimmers from across the region.

For BSSS, the initiative is intended to create more opportunities for swimmers at different stages of development to experience competition and continue building their skills in the sport.

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