Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

The Central American and Caribbean Confederation (CCCAN) Swimming Championships, set for June 29-July 5, will no longer be held in Mexico City because of the outbreak of the deadly Influenza A (H1N1) infection - also known as swine flu - and has been moved to Venezuela.

Following the outbreak, the CCCAN had issued an appeal to all affiliated federations to find some alternative venues to host the multi-disciplinary championships on the dates of the original event.

In the past, FINA cancelled a pair of Marathon Swimming World Cup events in Asia because of the SARS virus in 2003.

Countries invited to participate at the 2009 event include the 24 CCCAN members, along with Colombia, Suriname, Venezuela, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Traditionally, the two latter countries have competed as one team.

Jamaica's swimming technical director, Jackie Walter, said a swim team has not been selected as yet but they are still continuing with preparations, despite the change.

"We now have to look at Venezuela and see what are the necessary changes we will have to make," Walter said.

"However, there won't be much changes for us at all except that it just might be more expensive and we may need more money to attend the championships," she said.

Championship

The CCCAN was originally awar-ded to Cartagena, Colombia. However, in late 2008, the city announced it could not host the championship, which was last held June 25-30, 2007 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

"It was a good meet for us the last time, considering that we did not take a large team," Walter said.

She said they are expecting some good performances this year from Danielle Booth, Timothy Wynter and Kendese Nangle.

"I would certainly expect them to be in the medals. Nangle is back in training but will have to make the qualifying time. She is participating in a meet next week and should make it then," she said.