Prince finds new niche at Creative Kids

Shayne Fairman

Having led Immaculate Conception High School to a number of titles in over 18 years in charge of the school's swim programme, veteran coach Mark Prince, said he is hoping to use the upcoming Milo Prep/Primary Schools Swimming Championships slated for tomorrow and Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre to establish Creative Kids Learning Academy as future title challengers.

Nestle/Milo have sponsored the annual prep and primary schools development meet to the tune of $750,000 plus incentives.

TOP 10 FINISH

Prince, who has over 20 years coaching experience, is in his first year at the institution but is hoping his charges will do their best and finish in the top 10 this weekend.

Prince said he will be looking to put a programme in place, with the hope that in five years they can challenge for the championships.

"For us at Creative Kids, swimming is one of our main sports and it's what we use to promote the school. The parental support is very good, hence the programme is very good," he told STAR Sports in a recent interview.

He also praised the meet for turning out a number of outstanding local swimmers.

"I've seen a number of swimmers to have blossomed from this meet like Alia Atkinson, Briana Roman, Gillian Millwood and the Chuck sisters. I see that the sport is growing."

While praising the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), the veteran coach is of the view that the local body should look to spread swimming at the grassroots level in order to compete more with sports such as netball and track and field.

"I don't buy that argument that swimming is a rich people sport. Now we see primary schools from all over Kingston participating," he said.