STAR TO WATCH: Butterfly specialist Nee Gui Ping.
SIBU: The Amateur Swimming Association of Sarawak (ASAS) is sending a 26-strong contingent for the 49th Milo-PRAM Malaysian International Invitational Age-group Swimming Championship to be held at Bukit Jalil Aquatic Centre, April 19 to 21.
Spearheaded by national swimmers Daniel Bego and Hii Siew Siew, the team comprises nine swimmers from Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (SASA), 11 swimmers from Kota Samarahan Swimming Association (KOTAS), four from Kuching Amateur Swimming Association (KASA) and two from Miri Amateur Swimming Association (MASA).
Top state swimmers in the squad include Welsom Sim, Roydon Ong, Nee Gui Ping, Erika Kong, Angela Chieng and Vernon Lee.
The team will leave for Kuala Lumpur on April 18.
ASAS secretary Oliver Kuo told a press conference yesterday that the swimmers were expected to face a grueling battle against some of the top swimmers from Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Taiwan and several other Asian countries.
“This is a big battle and a great challenge to our swimmers. Hopefully, our swimmers will be able to bring back medals and glory to the state,” he said.
Kuo said the swimmers would use the championship as a platform to compete for the qualifying time trial for the World Championship to be held in Barcelona in September.
“The standard is very high and that is why it is going to be an intriguing battle for our swimmers to dig deep and showcase the best of their abilities,” he added.
Hong Kong, in particular, will be sending a full team to participate in the championship.
Kuo expected Daniel and Siew Siew to feature prominently at the championship.
“As for the rest of the squad, it will be nice if they can bring back medals of any colour,” he added.
The championship is divided into five categories – boys’ and girls’ 10 years old and below, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and the 18 & above category.