Issue #125 - The Gist of January

. January 2018 .

New Years Eve Family Touch Day

Hello and welcome to 2018!

I can't believe we are through January already!  Time is flying and we haven't actually done all that much!  You've already seen our efforts on New Years Day, so no need to revisit that.  The kids went off for a Swim meet in Florida during January, and Michelle played in the Corporate Gaelic Nines.

There was the CIASA prize-giving brunch, and because it was on the brink of February, we have included the Cross-Island relay in January as well.

No need to write much more. You've got the gist!

New Year Family Touch Tournament

As promised last time, here's some pics from the day.

It was a family fun tournament but also a charity fundraiser.  I think they made about $3,000 for the chosen charity.

Our Team (NZ) ended up coming just short in the final.  Not a bad effort really!

Jake looks for support

Now he's looking for a phone number

Up against the young Saffa team next!

Sprinting away with it...no chance of being caught.

Michelle looking to go wide

"Up the guts!"

Some of the older participants....

with Grandad to keep an eye on things

 UANA Swim Champs - Florida 

As we mentioned earlier, Sam and Jake made the national team to head to the UANA (The UNION AMERICANA DE NATACION) champs in Florida.  They had to qualify for this meet, so there was some serious competition there.

Sam in the IM

 

Jake is working hard

Waiting for food?

Jake up on the blocks

And he's away!

Sam and Ria

Team pic - with Jake on his phone...

Sam 'n Ella

 This meet was straight timed finals, not heats/finals.  The weather was pretty chilly initially, but it soon warmed up a bit.  Maybe the pool was heated as well.  Both Sam and Jake put in some good results, especially considering this wasn't a taper meet.  For the most part, they came in at the top end of the Caribbean swimmers, with the bigger nations like Mexico and Chile having some very fast swimmers.

Sam at the start (3 in)

Catching up with buddies from previous meets around the Caribbean

Sam and her friend Annabella (Jamaica)

 Nice form Sam - blue and green at the top

They are all looking this time!

Meanwhile, back at home Michelle refereed a swim meet for the first time without either of the kids in attendance! And Dave and Michelle enjoyed a bit of quiet time and went out for dinner with the kids for Jake's birthday on his return.

Gaelic Nines

Michelle's work team were out to defend their title again for this years Mixed Nines Gaelic Football tournament.  Its a semi-social event aimed at attracting new players to the sport (although always difficult to keep the competitiveness at bay!).

 This year started on the Friday night with their first game (a loss), which was closely followed by their work Staff Party....  Luckily they were the last game in the Saturday morning round, in which they struggled a wee bit and ended up with a draw! (funnily enough).  They went on and won their next game and made it to the quarters, then through to the Semi final, and amazingly they made it to the final, which was a hard fought affair.  Michelle's team hung on and managed another win - just before the rains came!  But that didn't dampen their celebrations!!

Champions!

Cross Island Relay

 Since the relay was held over the weekend, we thought we'd might as well stick it in January's issue.

The relay is pretty much as the name suggests, 6 runners who do 4 miles each from one side of the island to the other...roughly.

The girls have put a team in each year for a while now, and they usually do OK, although there are a few younger more serious contenders taking part these days.  They came in 4th in the Women's division.

Dave caught up with one of his old rugby mates (Vic) from Freeport (Bahamas) who was visiting for work.

Dave is heading over to Freeport in a few weeks for another mate's 50th. 

Sam 'n Ella - out on the town!

The gang...

  CIASA Prize-giving

The swimming association held their annual prize-giving brunch last weekend (at the same place as our Xmas Brunch/Dinner).  The swimmers got recognised for their efforts and the volunteers did as well, which is always nice. Jake got recognised for his efforts in the last year, as one of the up and coming Stars

The Seniors - although officially called the National Development Team

Some of the crew

Sam and the Coach

So, that's about it for January.  I'm pretty sure we'll have some more for February. Dave does a quick trip to Freeport. Michelle goes the Off the Beaten Track.  There's bound to be a swim meet in there somewhere!

Sam might sit her practical test for Driving!