New Schools Boost Swimming Championship
Forty seven (47) schools will be participating in the two-day National Schools Swimming Association Championships, which gets underway today at Suva Olympic Pool.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, event coordinator Joe Tuinamata said they are expecting more than 500 swimmers.
“We have new schools, Lautoka Methodist Primary School, CMF College (Christian Mission Fellowship), Lautoka Central College and primary school,” he said.
“Most of the preparations are done by our parent body because they deploy coaches to the schools. When these coaches go to the schools, they take up swimming and this is where they identify the talented swimmers. Our only challenge is funding because we’ve asked a few big companies to come on board but at the moment we only have some companies supporting us.”
The event officials acknowledged their partners Sun Insurance, Pacific Energy, Fiji Swimming, Fiji Gas, CK Bargain and Fiji Water.
“At the pool, everything has been set-up all the marquees and tents. The schools has also arranged with us to set their tents at the car pack,” Tuinamata said.
“We thank Suva City Council for giving us space to set-up at the car park.”
The Association also acknowledged the Ministry of Education for its approval to hold the event, the Fiji National Sports Commission for providing a marquee for two days, International School for providing a tent and the Fiji Police Force for security.
“St John has come on board and will be on standby at the two-day tournament in case of any accidents and emergencies,” he said.
Despite the decline in the number of swimmers taking part this year compared to previous years, Tuinamata says, there are four new schools participating.
“I think our coaches need to piggyback on the programme done by Sports Commission so that we can reach out and do more awareness in schools,” he said.
Tuinamata urged supporters to turn up in numbers at the Suva Olympic Pool to support the swimmers.
The pool entrance fees are as follows: Child (15 years & below)- $1.50 per day and adult- $3 per day.
