Swimming Nationals Nov. 2 to 4

By Leslie Fernando

The Interim Committee of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) will hold the National Swimming and Diving Championships along with the National Waterpolo Championships and Synchronised Swimming Competition from November 2 to 4 at the Sugathadasa Stadium pool. The four-in-one aquatic meet should produce interesting fare as all leading participants are participating.

Thirty eight events including six relays will be worked off for both men and women in the swimming championships. All heats and preliminaries will be held during the morning session, commencing at 9.30 a.m.

All finals will be held in the afternoon starting at 2.30 p.m. Out of the 38 events 8 events will be held as timed finals-1500 metres free style, 200 metres butterfly, 400 metres free style, 400 metres individual medley (men), 800 metres free style, 200 metres butterfly, 400 metres free style, and 400 metres individual medley (women).

Last year, Rainbow Aquatic Club created history becoming men's and women's overall championships for the first time. Rainbow AC carried away both the Dudley Senanayake Challenge Trophy for their top performance in the men's and women's overall championships.

At this year's meet, Josephians, Trinitians, Anandians, Thomians and Royalists are expected to do well in the men's championships while in the women's, Mahamaya College Kandy, Ladies College, Musaeus College, Hillwood College, Kandy and Visakha Vidyalaya swimmers should show their swimming skills. Meanwhile holders Rainbow AC swimmers will go flat-out to retain the titles.

Diving

There will be one metre, three spring boars diving and platform diving 5 1/2 metres, 7 1/2 metres and 10 metres. All diving events will commence at 11 a.m. each day. Asian International School retained the men's diving title and was awarded the Allan Smith Challenge Trophy in 2005. In the women's diving, Bishop's College also retained the title and carried away the SLASU Challenge Trophy.

Synchronised swimming

The Synchronised swimming will consist of four events, solo, duets, teams and routine combinations. These events will take place on November 2 and 3. The draw will be held November 1 at 4.30 p.m. All competitors should perform for about 30 minutes before the winners are found. Last year, Visakha Vidyalaya won the championship and carried away the Barbara Flamar-Caldera Challenge Trophy. This year Musaeus College, and St. Bridget's Convent Competitors are also raring to go in the Synchronised swimming competition.

Waterpolo

The finals of the men's knock-out waterpolo tournament will be on November 4 at 5 p.m. on Competition of the final day swimming events. The Women's final has been fixed for November 3 at 4 p.m. Royal College and Visakha Vidyalaya won the men's and women's waterpolo championship. Royal received the David Vas Challenge Trophy and Visakha Vidyalaya was presented with SLASU Challenge Trophy.

This year, both the men's and women's waterpolo tournaments attracted more teams. Royal will get stiff opposition from S. Thomas', St. Joseph's College, Ananda, Asian International School and Thurstan. Visakhians will not have it easy as Ladies College, Bishop's College, Anula Vidyalaya, St. Bridget's Convent and AIS teams are also in good form.