243 swimmers for Sibu Age-Group meet
The good response (participation) in these two categories (U-13 and U-15) have made the championship look interesting and challenging. — Dr Toh Teck Hock, organising chairman
SIBU: A record 243 swimmers from 20 schools will take part in the Sibu Invitational Age-Group swimming championship to be held at Bukit Lima Swimming Pool from Jan 20 to 22.
Organising chairman Dr Toh Teck Hock said they will compete in 192 events over six age categories in the three-day championship.
“Group C (Under-13) attracted the most number of swimmers, with 31 girls and 39 boys taking part while Group B (U-15) also attracted 30 girls and 19 boys and the good response in these two categories have made the championship look interesting and challenging,” he disclosed at the press conference yesterday morning.
Also present were Sibu Swimming Association (Sasa) chairman Oliver Kuo, secretary Tony Hii, treasurer Yek How Sing and coaches Wong Sing Uong and Samuel Wong.
Toh said Sasa also introduced the best individual category and swimmers who amassed the most number of points will be the winners.
The meet will select swimmers to represent Sibu in the upcoming Sarawak Age-Group championship.
Meanwhile, Kuo admitted that the swimming standards in Sibu has stagnated in recent few years with only a few breakthroughs.
He pointed to Sasa finishing only 4th at the last Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai Challenge Cup held in Kuching as a clear indication that an overhaul is needed if Sibu swimmers are to remain a force to be reckoned with.
“We were twice the defending champion but, unfortunately, we failed to retain the title in the third try and we also missed the chance to lift the Cup. All these are signs that we need to work hard to regain our past glory.”