Hargrave Cadet Dionisio Carey of Nassau, Bahamas has been named to the National Swimming Team for the Bahamas. Carey qualified in the 15-17 age group.Qualification followed Carey’s performance at the CARIFTA 2013 swimming meet held March 29 to April 3, 2013 in Kingston, Jamaica. Carey was the silver medallists in the Boy’s 50m Backstroke with a time of 27.60. Carey was edged out for first by Jamaica’s Timothy Wynter, who clocked 27.09. David McLeod of Trinidad-Tobago was third with at 27.79. CARIFTA’s qualifying standard for the event was a 30.06.
“Dionisio Carey has gained success at the highest local, regional, national and international levels, most recently being selected to compete for his country, the Bahamas in several international competitions,” said Coach John Eife, Hargrave’s Head Swimming Coach. “We are very pleased that this young man has selected Hargrave as his home away from home, to both build his own capabilities, and share his talents with us all.
“He represents everything Hargrave looks for in a Cadet; the whole person. As a student he has consistently achieved Dean’s List level grades. As a leader of his fellow cadets, his quiet leadership style works effectively on barracks as he is both liked and listened to by his peers. In addition, he has recently been selected to serve as a Hargrave Presidential Ambassador.”
Cadet Carey is now qualified to participate in the XXVIII CCCAN 2013 Championships, scheduled for Costa Rica, June 29 to July 5, 2013. This meet includes both Caribbean and Central American countries. Swimming well at this meet could open the door to attending the 4th FINA World Junior Swimming Championships 2013, August 26 to August 31, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Carey would like to represent the Bahamas at the Dubai.
“I’m staying focused and going after my dreams,” said Carey. “Anything can be achieved.”
The first staging of the CARIFTA Games took place in Barbados in 1972, the brainchild of Austin Sealy, the then former President of the Olympic Association, and took the form of track and field events open to Caribbean Countries. As time passed the games developed to include other disciplines. The Championships began with member countries of the Caribbean Free Trade Association. The name CARIFTA is the acronym which is now a misnomer since membership has been expanded to include countries outside of this agreement.
Coach Eife has a masters degree in exercise science and is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, which helps design strength and conditioning programs for Carey and the rest of the Hargrave team.
Carey also finaled in the 15-17 100m Backstroke (7th) 1:03.52 at CARIFTA 2013. He is the son of Omar and Elva Carey of Nassau, Bahamas.
