Age Group Swimming from September 25 to 27
View(s):Top swimmers to reach the qualifying marks are expected to compete in the final round of the National Age Group Swimming Championship 2014 which will be held at the Sugathadasa Swimming Complex from September 25 to 27.
The three-day aquatic extravaganza will feature outstanding swimmers
The three-day aquatic extravaganza will feature outstanding swimmers from 41 Colombo district schools, 87 outstation schools and 43 clubs registered under the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU). The organisers of the event, SLASU, conducted a briefing for the captains, coaches, masters and managers of school and club teams who are in contention, at the Royal College Union Skills Centre yesterday.
According to the general secretary of SLASU, Akhry Ameer circulars have already been dispatched to schools, which reopened for the third term last week. The event will also serve as selection meet for the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships to be held in Doha in December 2014.
“Until last year the SLASU had just one competition for over 1000 swimmers. However, this does not allow for adequate rest for swimmers between heats and finals which in turn affects the eventual performances. Hence, in discussion with the coaches the SLASU created this structure. Any new structure has its implementation issues as such the SLASU has opened the qualification to other meets conducted by us as well. We intend to improve on this concept next year,” a statement issued by SLASU said.
The restructured format is aimed at creating a pyramid of competitions whereby the best will compete at the final round.
Earlier in July and August, SLASU under a new format with the intention of broad basing participation conducted qualification meets in four zones covering the areas of Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Badulla, Gampaha, Puttlam and Kurunegala districts. Swimmers achieving the requisite qualifying times in their respective events and age groups will be eligible to compete at the final round which begins in four days.
The qualification meets attracted a total of 600 girls and 832 boys. In addition, swimmers who have achieved the qualifying times at major events sanctioned by SLASU since January 2013 will also be allowed to compete.