Swim Kauai Aquatics dedicated and blessed a new timing and start system Saturday ahead of its home meet at the YMCA pool.
“With this new timing system, SKA will now be able to expose its swimmers to the highest level of competition technology,” said SKA coach Curt Colby. “Our swimmers and their families are thrilled to be using the new computerized system and scoreboard that allows everyone at the pool to see an individual swimmer’s time and place standing immediately following the race’s end.”
At the heart of the system is a computer console and its related software accompanied by touchpads, start systems, microphone, tripod, speakers, scoreboard and a backstroke start device.
“We are so grateful to The Atherton Family Foundation that provided a matching grant for us to acquire the system,” said Stacie Nishimura, the SKA board president. “In addition, the Kauai Interscholastic Federation, Gather Federal Credit Union, Goodfellow Brothers, Unlimited Construction, Mark Tanaka, Jared Murayama, Spencer Masonry, The Fawcett Family, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative and many other individuals provided contributions to SKA to match the grant.”
Colby said the addition of the new timing and start system will not only help attract more off-island competitors. It will help the Kauai high school swimmers who will be able to enjoy the use of the new system for KIF swim meets.
“SKA will continue the collaboration it has formed with the KIF for many years in offering the club’s timing system for its events,” Colby said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.