SIBU: Defending champion SMK Chung Hua and SJK© Tung Hua are set to defend their respective titles in the Sibu Division Inter Secondary and Primary School Swimming Championship to be held at Bukit Lima Swimming Pool from July 29-31. Organised by SMK Deshon in collaboration with Sibu Education Department and Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (Sasa), the meet has attracted a total of 305 swimmers (187 boys, 118 girls) from 13 primary and seven secondary schools.
They will compete in a total of 113 events in the five age categories – Under-8, 10, 12, 15 and 20. Among the secondary schools, SM Catholic High is sending the biggest contingent of 34 swimmers, followed by SMK Chung Hua (30), SMK Methodist (22), SMK Rosli Dhoby (16), SMK Sacred Heart (14), SMK Tung Hua (7) and SM Wong Nai Siong (6). For the primary schools, SJK Methodist will be represented by 44 swimmers, SJk © Tung Hua (43), SJK © Chung Sing (28), SJK © Ek Thei (20) and SJK © Taman Rajang (9).
Woodland International School is also sending 12 swimmers. Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (Sasa) acting president Oliver Kuo said that the championship would be used to pick swimmers to represent Sibu in the state-wide Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Dr Wong Soon Kai Cup to be held in Miri in October.
Also present at the press conference were Sasa secretary Tong Hii, treasurer Yik How Sing and SMK Deshon principal Nicholas Bamphield. Bamphield said Sibu, which used to be the swimming powerhouse in the state, could spring surprises in the Oct state meet against Kuching and Miri who have produced outstanding swimmers in recent years.