170 swimmers take part in novice swimming championship
KOTA KINABALU: Around 170 swimmers took part in the 1st SASA/TRITONIC Novice Swimming Championship that ended at the Aquatic Centre of the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas near here recently.
Organised by Sabah Aquatic Sports Association (SASA), the swimmers were from its affiliates Penampang District Swimming Association (PREPS), Sea Dragon Swimming Club (KRSD), Blue Marlin Swimming Club (BMSC), Sandakan Swimming Association (SSA) Swimming Club and PJMS Sandakan Swimming Club (PJMS).
“The main aim of the competition is to promote interest and commitment of the young swimmers to venture into the sport. It is also to provide additional avenue and platform for the development of junior swimming talents to mature into state, national and international level (athletes),” SASA president, Anthony Kiob, said in a statement to the press yesterday.
The eligibility for participation was limited to non-medalists in the Sabah Age Group, Sabah School Sports Council (MSSS) and Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM) championships.
“This was to give chances to young local swimmers to get exposure. We are happy to note that there were 170 local swimmers in the competition,” Anthony added.
SASA was also grateful towards the local senior swimmers who took on a different role as part of the technical team at the championship.
Anthony also acknowledged the coordination among the Sabah Sports Council (MSN Sabah) coaches as technical officials, parents as volunteers and working committees to make the event a success.
“SASA will continue to work hard to promote the development programme in the State.
“I hope such competition will become an annual event in the SASA calendar,” he said.
Towards this end, Anthony, on behalf of SASA, expressed thanks to MSN Sabah for the continuous financial support to promote the development programme of aquatic sports, both locally and nationally.
Anthony also thanked Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd, a local beverage manufacturer, for being a partner of SASA.
Life Water Industries Sdn Bhd contributed medals, beverages and other souvenirs to all the participants, winners and officials.