SUPPORT FROM THE TOP: Larry (seated second left) with Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) chairman Daniel Ngieng (seated right) pose for photograph with other SASA officials.
SIBU: The Sarawak Amateur Swimming Association (ASAS) are eyeing opportunities to give more competitive exposures to state swimmers by sending them to compete in international events.
“We hope there would be such opportunities within these two years. Based on the results of the Majlis Sekolah-Sekolah (MSS) Malaysia Aquatic Championship in Sabah last month, we can confidently say that Sarawak is the powerhouse for swimming in Malaysia. We also aim to produce more elite swimmers,” said ASAS president Larry Sng.
He said the performance of state swimmers during MSS aquatic championship held on March 13-17 was very encouraging. In the championship, Sarawak emerged champion with 38 gold, 26 silver and 14 bronze medals.
The state defeated arch-rival Selangor who were only able to garner 18 gold, 22 silver and 20 bronze medals. Johor came in third with 14 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.
Five swimmers from Sarawak were adjudged Best Swimmers in their respective categories.
They were Nee Gui Ping in Boys U-12, Welson Sim in Girls U-12, Angela Chieng (Girls U-15), Alex Tiong (Boys U-18) and Erika Kong (Girls U-18).
Nee Gui Ping was also announced as the Overall Best Swimmer. She broke two MSS records on her way to win four gold and four silver medals.
Sng said ASAS would be sending 35 swimmers to the 48th Malaysia National Age Group Championship at National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, April 6 to 8.