TCI Swimmer Wins Two 1st Places at “Race for the Conch”

#TurksandCaicos, July 14, 2023 – TCI star swimmer Tajari Williams dominated this year’s “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim with back-to-back overall first place finishes in both the 2.4 mile (Ironman distance) and 1 mile races on Saturday June 24 in Grace Bay.  Williams won the races by a wide margin over several competitive swimmers from abroad vying to snag a conch trophy.

In the equally competitive 1/2 mile race, American Brecken Curren took first place followed by local swimmers, Dan Redmond and Sean Walters, with excellent second and third place finishes.  Americans Sarah Harrington and Anne Hart won the Women’s Division in the 2.4 mile and 1-mile races respectively, while Annika Curren took first in the 1/2 Mile Women’s Division.

Other TCI swimmers displayed competitive prowess in the 1-mile event.  In addition, twenty local youngsters 10 and under participated in a spirited 100 meters Children’s Swim.

A record 151 swimmers took part in the 13th annual event founded in 2010 by Co-Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann. Once more, Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe provided the venue for the start and finish on the beach.

Co-Director Stubenberg stated, “All of us were excited to see Tajari lead from the start and stay in front of the pack right to the finish.  And then to be followed up with superb showings by Dan and Sean in the 1/2 mile,” Zimmermann added, “We could not be more pleased with our TCI swimmers, as well as all the wonderful swimmers who flew in for the race.  TCI is only growing as a destination for international open water swim racing and providing an outstanding competition venue for local swimmers.”

Stubenberg and Zimmermann, expressed delight with the higher than expected turn-out. About half of the swimmers returned from last year, most from the US, but several from Canada, UK, and Latin America. Many of the swimmers have been returning year after year since the inception to enjoy the festive atmosphere, warm TCI welcome, and solid organization.

All swimmers received a conch medal carved by local artist Stanford Handfield, while the top three male and female swimmers in the 2.4 mile, 1 mile, and 1/2 mile races received handmade conch trophies embedded into wooden plaques created by local artist Lucie Stubbs.

The Race Directors pointed out that this race could not happen without dedicated volunteers who knew exactly what to do to make the race successful from transport and registration to buoy placement and timing and many other essential tasks.  They also complimented generous local sponsors and service providers who also made the race possible: Ocean Club East, Grace Bay Club, Projetech, SURFside Ocean Academy, Whole Health, Graef, Silver Palm Charters, Luxury Experiences, Hartling Group, Natural Trade Distribution, Finishing Touch, Marco Travel, Caicu Naniki Vacation Adventures, Stream2Sea sunscreen, Red Cross, Big Blue, LMNT electrolytes, Island Roasters Coffee, Business Solutions, Kix Creations, TC Crystal Water, the TCI Philippine Community, and Paradise Photography. Race Directors also expressed their appreciation to the TCI Sports Commission, DECR, Provo Ambulance Service, Marine Police, and Royal Police for their excellent support.

The “Race for the Conch” is a TCI registered non-profit. Proceeds from the race go mainly to the Provo Children’s Home, as well as Reef Fund, Hope Foundation, and Red Cross.

Next year’s race will take place on June 29, 2024.  Website for race information: www.ecoseaswim.com