Sibu swimmers ready for Sukma

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STAY FOCUSED: Lee gives words of encouragement to the four Sukma-bound swimmers from Sibu. From left are Nita, Grace, Alex and Hii.

SIBU: The proposal to construct a covered roof for the Bukit Lima swimming pool here would be forwarded to the cabinet for approval next year.

Assistant Minister for Communications and Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin told thesundaypost that his ministry was already working on the proposal.

“Everything is still in its early stage. We have yet to come up with the master plan and the estimated cost of the project. Once all these are finalised, we will forward the proposal to the cabinet for approval,” he said when visiting Sukma bound swimmers from Sibu at the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool on Friday evening.

Built in 1963, the swimming pool is currently under the jurisdiction of Sibu Municipal Council.

However, it is managed by Mista Power Sdn Bhd with Hii Hieng Chiong as its manager.

Hii also doubled as the coach of Sibu Amateur Swimming Association.

Lee admitted a covered roof for the swimming pool as a necessity that would enhance and provide a better conducive swimming atmosphere for the swimmers here.

In Kuching, he said there were two swimming pools with covered roof and this had directly acted as a catalyst to encourage swimmers to take up the sport.

Lee reiterated that swimming was one of the sport that Sarawak athletes had excelled in.

“We will not leave any stone unturned in our bid to unearth talented swimmers in order for the state to rule supreme in the swimming fraternity,” enthused Lee.

On the coming swimming championship in Sukma, Lee said Sarawak was aiming for at least six to eight medals.

He refused to narrow down where the gold medals will come from, adding all athletes stands a chance to excel as long as they have the mental and physical strength to do so.

“Think of gold and nothing else and that may spur you to go further in your quest for glory,’ he said.

Sibu is sending four swimmers for the Pahang Sukma.

They are national swimmer Hii Siew Siew, Alex Tiong, Hita Wong and Grace Yii.

With the exception of Siew Siew, the remaining three swimmers are first-timers.

Siew Siew will be down to compete in the 100 and 200m butterfly.

Being a national swimmer, she is only allowed to take part in two events.

Alex and Grace will compete in five events and Nita in six events.

Lee also reminded all Sukma-bound athletes to take good care and prevent themselves from getting injuries in view of the games just only weeks away.

“Take good care of yourself and ensure that you are injury-free. Stay focused and developed both your physical and mental strength so that when the times come, you will be able to rise to the occasion,” said Lee.