MIRI: The second GCM Inter-Club Age-Group Swimming championship has attracted 200 entries including 40 aspiring swimmers from host, Gymkhana Club Miri (GCM) which is going all out to defend its title in June 23 – 24 event.
According to the event organising chairperson, Liza Chai the number of entries has increased from 150 last year including 13 swimmers from the Indian Life Saving Society team who are participating here for the first time.
“Actually we have invited clubs throughout Sarawak and so far 12 clubs including GCM have confirmed their entries,” she said of the competition which will be participated by four teams from Brunei including last year’ first runner up, the Royal Brunei Recreation team, Jerudong Swim Club, MICIA Swimming Team and Penaga Stingrays.
The other three local teams are KRP Swimming Team from Miri, Balleh Social and Recreational Club from Kapit and Sarawak Club from Kuching while three other teams are Blue Marlin Swimming Club and PJMS Sandakan Swimming Club from Sabah and Labuan Swimming Club.
Liza added that the Ministry of Social Development has allocated RM3,000 to help GCM to organize the championship with Assistant Minister for Sports, Datuk Lee Kim Shin is expected to officiate at the closing ceremony on Sunday at 11.30 am and to give away prizes to the winners.
Meanwhile, GCM will take part in four different age groups namely in the Group One 15-17 years-old category (boys and girls), Group Two 13-14 years-old category (boys and girls), Group Three 11-12 years-old category (boys and girls), Group Four 9-10 years old category (boys and girls) and Group Five 8 years old and under category.
GCM has appointed Diana Hii as their team manager and David Chung as the coach.