First inter-school swimming meet at Kota Samarahan

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Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: The Kota Samarahan swimming pool would be filled with young swimmers on July 23 and 24 when an inaugural inter-school swimming meet takes place.

All schools from Samarahan and Kuching divisions have been invited to participate in the First Samarahan-Kuching Divisions Inter-School Secondary/Primary Swimming Championship, which is jointly organised by Kota Samarahan Amateur Swimming Association (KOTAS) and Kota Samarahan Education Department.

KOTAS president and event advisor, Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, noted that this will be the first ever such event to be held at Kota Samarahan Swimming Pool.

He said in a press statement recently that it would be a great opportunity for young swimmers from Samarahan division to gain experience in competing against those from Kuching.

“It is also a great opportunity for schools in Kuching to visit Samarahan division and enjoy competing at a different venue,” he said.

Abdul Karim would be sponsoring the perpetual trophies for the champion primary school and champion secondary school, while Milo (Nestle) will be sponsoring medals and beverage.

“It is our hope that this inter-school championship will continue to be held annually to encourage more children to be involved in swimming as part of a healthy, active lifestyle as well as identifying new talent to enhance Sarawak’s strength in the sports arena,” said Abdul Karim.

“We need more competitions to inspire young swimmers to greater heights and I am very pleased to see the sport spreading its wings to other divisions,” he added.

The inter-school meet will see swimmers compete in four age groups starting with 10 years of age and
below and up to 18 years of age.

Events will include individual medleys, four swimming stroke disciplines in various distances and the much-anticipated relays.

Among the schools expecting to make a big splash at the meet are SMK Batu Lintang, Kuching High School and Lodge School, while individual medal hauls are anticipated from several star swimmers who have previously featured at Sarawak state meets.

Any students keen to compete in the championship can contact their respective school or obtain entry form directly from KOTAS by contacting the organising secretary Paul Lim at 012-8831258. Note that entries close today.

“We are looking forward to an exciting competition and I urge all schools to identify their swimmers and take part in the meet,” urged Abdul Karim.