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Swimming to reach higher levels
By Bernie Wijesekera
Sri Lanka will be up against the might of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in water said the chairman of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (Interim Committee) DIG Sirisena Hearth.

Herath said: “We must join forces in the interest of swimming to reach higher levels internationally. Speaking in Sinhalese he, said: “My energetic committee's vision is to achieve our mission, spread it island wide. Affording the less affluent rural youth to enjoy a better tomorrow via swimming.

The Nationals, the mega event in the swimming calendar will be held next week (Oct. 20, 21, 22) at the Sugathadasa Indoor Complex. This will serve as the first trial to pick a squad of 40. They will undergo training under Jim Puleo from USA (the ASCA - Level 5 coach). He is being contracted until August 2006. In the last SAF Games in Islamabad (2003), Pakistan and Sri Lanka performed poorly, said Julian Bolling, the former champion swimmer and coach, adding: “The Pakistani girls beat us for the first time, put aside India. They have made vast strides whereas our girls were made to back-pedal. We must make a concerted effort to improve our image.”

Three swimming directors will be appointed shortly to assist Jim Puleo. In March 2006 the squad will be pruned down and will undergo a residential training camp at the Peradeniya University.

For the first time Water Polo will be included at the SAF Games. In the 1991 SAF Games Sri Lanka was engaged in a close tussle with India in swimming. Since then there has been a big vacuum. We should now strive to close the gap.” said Bolling.

The three-day Nationals will commence at 8.30 a.m. on each day. On Day 3 (Sat. Nov. 22) will windup with the Water Polo final at 5. p.m. Minister of Sport Jeevan Kumaratunga, will be the chief guest.

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