Kota Kinabalu: A record number of 206 participants took part in the 6th Sabah Aquatic Sports Association (Sasa) Novice Swimming Competition held at the Penampang Sports Complex swimming pool recently.
They came from five of Sasa’s affiliated clubs, namely Blue Marlin Swimming Club (BMSC), Penampang Preppies Swimming Club (PPSC), PJMS Aquatic Swimming Club (PJMS), Sea Dragon Swimming Club (SD) and SSA Swimming Club Sandakan (SSA).
A total of 58 events were competed over one-day across four age group categories - group 6 (7 and under), group 5 (8 - 9 years), group 4 (10 - 11 years) and group 3 (12 - 13 years).
The group 6 boys’ overall title went to went to Braxton Khoo Zi Rui of SD with four golds, while Lee Siao Chern of SSA took the girls’ title also with four golds.
In group 5, the boys’ title was won by Nixon Yap Guo Yao of SD with four golds and the girls’ title went to his teammate Verica Yap Su Thung with four golds.
Chris Hansen Chong Sern Han of PJMS was the group 4 boys’ winner with two golds and SD’s Esmeralda Ava Lee took the girls’ title with three golds and one silver.
In group 3, the boys’ winner was Tee Tougher from SSA with four golds, while SSA’s Vivienne Lee Zi Yu captured the girls’ title with four golds and two silvers.
Sasa president Daniel Lee, who was delighted with the increase in the number of participants, congratulated all the overall champions and medal winners. He praised the effort and dedication of the parents and coaches, and hoped the swimmers and their coaches will continue to work on their foundation.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Youth and Sports Ministry, Sabah Sports Council and Sabah Sports Council for their support as well as to all the technical officials and volunteers for their hard work to ensure the success of the event.
He stressed the importance of technical officials and volunteers to the association as they plan to host another novice meet in the 4th quarter of the year preceded by the National SportExcel/Milo/NSC/MAS Swimming Circuit 2025 – Leg 2 for the eastern zone, from August 1-3 at the Kota Kinabalu Sport Complex Aquatic Centre.
