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KUCHING, Aug 25: Swimming enthusiasts in Sarawak are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Sarawak Short Course Sprint 2023, which is set to take place at the renowned Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre from Sept 8 to 10.
Organised by the Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC) with support from Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), this event will see 645 athletes from 26 swimming clubs across Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.
The participating teams hail from Kuching, Miri, Bintulu, Sabah, Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Brunei, and the Philippines.
This year’s participants are the biggest number, exceeding the club’s expected target of 500 participants.
There were 376 swimmers from Malaysia and Indonesia at the first edition in 2019. Then, in 2022, the second edition saw 529 swimmers from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
In a statement today, the club’s founder, Voon Yong Hui, said with a vast number of participants, the Sarawak Short Course Sprint promises intense competition and showcases the immense talent of the swimmers.
“These athletes have dedicated countless hours to honing their skills and will stop at nothing to secure victory for themselves and their respective clubs,” he said.
As the athletes dive into the 25-meter pool, spectators can expect electrifying races in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly categories.
The competition aimed to provide a platform for emerging talents to shine and gain recognition in the swimming community while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, Voon said.
“With more teams from outside Sarawak coming into our Land of Hornbill, it is a good opportunity to show that we have world-class facilities. We hope to popularise swimming in Sarawak.
“Besides that, we hope to show them what Sarawak has to offer in terms of tourism, contributing significantly to the local economy and enhancing Sarawak’s reputation as a premier sporting hub,” he added.
Officials from all teams will attend a welcoming dinner on September 7.
Meanwhile, Voon expressed his pride that 13 PASC swimmers will complete the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) in Selangor from August 26 to 30.
Seven of the athletes will compete in the water polo event while the rest in the swimming events. — DayakDaily
