Swimmers to cross North Sound in memorial swim

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 28 July 2020

L-R: Elana Sinclair, Alex Dakers, Kyra Rabess, Jake Bailey and Raya Embury-Brown. (Inset: Emmanuel Brown)

A group of senior swimmers from Stingray Swim Club will attempt to swim across the North Sound on 8 August in honour of Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Brown, who died tragically in a boating accident one year ago. The swim will double as a fundraiser for the club.

Brown lived a life in service to others as a police officer, football referee and owner of the Jungle Float water attraction. He was a father of three and took his greatest pride in his children Noah, Raya, and Ricoh.

Raya, a Stingray member and Cayman Islands National Team representative, will be one of the five athletes participating in the memorial swim. Traversing a distance of more than 10 kilometres (or six miles), the ‘Swim in Memory’ represents far more than a physical feat. The other four swimmers and the Department of Environment will be there in support of Raya.

“This swim means a lot to me, being able to do my first swim over 10K in remembrance of my dad and to support my club. It is going to be a challenge but I’m so thankful to be doing the swim with my teammates. We always support and motivate each other. It’ll be a tough swim but I’m excited!” Raya said.

The swim is planned to start at Starfish Point and end at George Town Yacht Club, where Manny launched the Jungle Float.

The North Sound was Manny’s home and place of work. Stingray Swim Club notes Manny’s life and death are a message to all about how even the strongest of us are vulnerable to the dangers of both the sea and boating practices.

“The hope is that through this swim we can promote water and boating safety and help bring about changes to make our beautiful sea accessible and safe for all to enjoy and respect,” the club stated. Proceeds from the swim will go to Stingray Swim Club which has been dedicated to bringing swimming to all children in Cayman for nearly 25 years.

The swimmers’ goal is to try to raise $15,000 in donations for the club. Stingray Swim Club stated that it intends to use a portion of the proceeds to sponsor future members who do not have the financial ability to participate in competitive swimming.

“This swim is certainly one of the most meaningful events that I have been a part of since arriving in Cayman. The support the team has for each other is so strong and this swim is a testament to it. It is not a small feat to swim across the North Sound but all four were more than happy to do it in support of Raya. I’m really happy we found a way to honour Manny,” Stingray Head Coach David Pursley said.

The swim is scheduled to start at approximately 6:00am and finish around 8:00am to 8:30am. The community is invited to show up at George Town Yacht Club and welcome the swimmers as they finish their courageous swim.

To donate to ‘Swim in Memory’, there are several options:

• Donate to the Stingray Swim Club through Butterfield Bank KYD – 1361415940019 or CNB KYD – 01108031

• Write a cheque payable to Stingray Swim Club and mail to PO Box 11315, KY1-1009.

Please state that the donation is for The North Sound Memorial Crossing.