MORE than 700 participants from 24 clubs around Selangor took part in the state’s third novice swim meet this year.
The grassroots competition, which was designed as a platform to encourage new and young swimmers under 12 years old to gain competitive experience, was held at Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan in Shah Alam.
A total of 447 heats were held at the two-day meet organised by the PADE-Supersharkz.
Perangsang Selangor was the main sponsor while Innotex and Mad Wave were co-sponsors.
The meet was supported by the Selangor Amateur Swimming Association (PRAS) and the Selangor Sports Council.
Participants in action during the Boys 11-12 age group 25m freestyle finals (Heat-10). –Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
It was initiated in 2016 by the state association to bolster competitive swimming in Selangor, which has become the strongest swimming state in the country after stellar performances during the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Sukma Games which it credits to strong development programmes.
Organising secretary and PADE-Supersharkz Swimming Club vice-president Mark Chua said the success did not come overnight.
It started with grassroots programmes such as the Selangor Novice Meet that helped groom participants into state and Malaysian athletes.
“Meets like this are important in encouraging young children, and hopefully, many of them will continue to develop in the sport, not just in Malaysia, but also among the best in the world,” he said.
“It is through meets like this that we are also able to identify and develop more talents and from a younger age,” Mark added.
Last year, the Malaysian contingent for the SEA Games saw nine athletes from Selangor which also included athletes who participated in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
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