170 from Brunei, Sabah, S’wak for 2nd GCM Swim Championship
MIRI: A total of 170 local and international swimmers will compete in the 2nd Gymkhana Club Miri (GCM) International Inter- Club Swimming Championship from July 15.
Organising chairman Stanley Soong said neighbouring Brunei will be sending three teams to the two-day championship. They are the Royal Brunei Recreation Club, Hammerhead Swimming Club and Brunei Spido Swimming Club.
“GCM swimming championship is becoming very popular with an increased participation of 10 teams with 170 swimmers. Besides the three teams from Brunei, the Dashing Dolphin Swimming Club from Sibu will also be participating to defend their title,” he added yesterday.
From Kuching there will be the Sarawak Club and Sarakuatic Swimming Club while Miri will be represented by Gymkhana Club Miri and Kelab Rekreasi Petroliam. Preppies Penampang from Kota Kinabalu and Victoria Swimming Club from Labuan will provide the Sabah challenge.
The age categories are Group I (15-17 years), Group II (13-14), Group III (11-12), Group IV (9-10) and Group V (8 years and under). Members of the public are invited to watch the championship with free admission at GCM’s Olympic size pool from 8am to 5pm on the first day and 8am to 12pm on the second day.
Soong, who is also GCM’s executive committee member (Sports), revealed that Piasau assemblyman Dato Sebastian Ting will officiate the opening ceremony on the July 15 at 9am while the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin will grace the closing ceremony and give away the prizes on Sunday at 11.30am.
Meanwhile GCM club president Vincent Lu said the annual championship is one of GCM’s major events to promote a healthy lifestyle among people of all ages while promoting swimming as a competitive event.
“GCM is dedicated to provide an environment with different sports facilities for its members and the community. It has consistently supported and introduced various sports events to promote healthier lifestyle among all ages,” he added.
In conjunction with the championship, the club will hold a membership promotion drive. Individuals who sign up as members of the Club will each be entitled for a rebate of RM1,000 from the entrance fee of RM2,500 (non-transferable membership) and RM5,000 (transferable membership).