Herbert Morrison student gifts $100k award to swim club

At just 15 years old, Suraj Guwalani isn’t thinking about spending, he’s thinking about giving.

The Herbert Morrison Technical High School student, recently named Sports Boy of the Year at the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run 2025 Champions of the West Awards, is investing his $100,000 prize money into a meaningful project. Guwalani donated a 600-gallon water tank to his swim academy, SailFish Swim Academy in Tucker, St James, demonstrating a level of generosity and community spirit well beyond his years.

“When I first won the prize for the sports boy of the year, I really thought that I should give back to the community that helped raised me because I’ve been in this club for many years, and thought the club really needed a tank,” Guwalani said, noting there are many problems with water.

Specialising in the breaststroke, Guwalani earned a bronze medal at the 2025 Carifta Swimming Championships and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished young swimmers in western Jamaica. Beyond the pool, he is also an exceptional student leader at his school.

“Sometimes when I go to morning training, there’s no water, and I had to bathe using a bucket, bottle or something. There are times the toilets, or pool pump don’t work, so I just thought a water tank was needed,” said Guwalani.

The swim academy faced significant setbacks after Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage, leading to a three-to-four-month halt in swimming activities and limited training in a smaller pool, impacting performance.

According to Guwalani, the investment is expected to benefit the academy long-term, as swimming relies heavily on water.

“Well, it will help the academy in many ways for a very long time. One thing in swimming what’s important in swimming is water, because we’re always in the water. So, no matter what is going on, it will be helpful especially in the future.

Despite these challenges, SailFish Swim Academy remained committed to athlete development, continuity of training where possible, and transparent communication with parents, swimmers, sponsors, and governing bodies.

Mount Alvernia High’s backstroker Shreya Guwalani, Guraj’s twin sister expressed pride and joy over their brother’s generous donation to the swim academy, highlighting his kindness, wisdom, and sense of responsibility.

“Seeing my brother donate a tank to the swim academy, not just as a sister, but as a member of the team, it really gives me a sense of happiness and joy, especially knowing that he’s a kind and wise person. This action really reminds us of the importance when it comes to giving back and helping others,” said Shreya, who recently received the Mayberry meet High Point Trophy for the Girls 15-16 age group.

“This gesture, I believe it may inspire others to do the right thing and make a positive difference in the society by giving back to their community in any simple way that they can,” added Shreya.

Arlett Archer-Campbell, founder of SailFish Swim Academy, expressed sincere gratitude for the generous donation of a water tank to the club.

“Given the inconsistent water supply in the area, this support is incredibly valuable. It will make a meaningful difference, particularly for the academy’s competitive swimmers who train early in the mornings and often head straight to school from the pool, said Archer-Campbell.

“Reliable access to stored water will greatly enhance both their comfort and overall training experience. This generosity is truly appreciated for creating a more supportive and comfortable environment for the swimmers,” she added.