KUCHING, Aug 3: The “1st Sarawak Short Course Sprint 2019” will see swimmers from Malaysia and Indonesia dive and splash at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre, here, on Aug 10-11.
Nearly 400 swimmers from 12 clubs are taking part in the event organised by the Power Aquatics Swimming Club (PASC) and supported by the Sarawak Sport Corporation (SSC).
Seven out of the 12 teams are from outside Sarawak.
PASC president Tan Kun Gee said the aim of the inaugural meet was to provide opportunity and platform for beginners and junior swimmers to showcase their skills at a suitable competitive environment, as well as to identify potential swimmers and high achievers.
“Many of the participants will be visiting Sarawak for the first time. We are very happy with the responds despite only opening our entries in April. Furthermore, this will be our first time holding a big event like this after many years holding local meets.
“We are in high spirit to continue organisnig competition like this. Next year, we will send out invitations early so that more swimmers could enter,” he said, while adding that they were looking forward to see more teams from Sarawak next time.
The short course sprint is categorise into six age groups namely “Open Year 2002 & Above”, “Group A Year 2003-2004”, “Group B Year 2005-2006”, “Group C Year 2007-2008”, “Group D Year 2009-2010” and “Group E Year 2011 & Below”.
The local participating teams are Power Aquatics Swimming Club (Kuching), Kawaras Swimming Club (Kuching), The Sarawak Club, Kelab Renang Sarakuatik (Kuching) and Dashing Dolphin Swimming Club (Sibu).
Foreign teams included Pontianak Swimming Club (Indonesia), DSA Swimming Club (Kuala Lumpur), Srikl Sharkies Kuala Lumpur, Excelsports Swim Club (Kedah), Ikan Bilis Swimming Club (Kuala Lumpur), Chinese Recreation Club Penang and Blue Marlin Swim Club (Sabah).
“There will be trophies presentation to the best boy and girl in each category, as well as a challenge trophy to overall champion team during the closing ceremony on Aug 11,” Tan said.
Members of the public are welcome to witness the two-day competition. — DayakDaily
