Schools swimming calendar opens with coaching camp

BY LESLIE Fernando

SRI LANKA Schools Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA) began their 2005 aquatic program with a coaching camp for girls amongst the Gampaha District schools and the Time Keepers coaching course for teachers of the association recently, said the Secretary, SLSASA, Mrs. Ranjani De Fonseka.

Mrs. Fonseka said that the coaching camp for girl swimmers from the Gampaha District was a great success. Over 90 swimmers from eleven schools attended the coaching camp held at the Nawaloka Swimming pool, Gampaha. Reputed coaches from Colombo conducted the coaching camp and lot of talent was spotted by the coaches.

R.A. Kularatne, Deputy Director of Education and Physical Education the newly elected President of SLSASA also graced the occasion and was highly impressed by the coaching programme, said Mrs. Fonseka.

Kularatne promised to offer all assistance and support to the Gampaha District Schools girl swimmers and requested the authorities to organise more camps for the swimmers.

The SLSASA will also hold coaching camps for swimmers in Kandy, Galle and Polonnaruwa after 'A' Level exams are concluded. She also said that a Time-keepers course was also conducted for teachers of the association by FINA qualified technical officials at Ladies College under the guidance of the Ministry of Education.

The Tournament Secretary, SLSASA, Mrs. Lalani Jayathileke of Royal College was the co-ordinator. Mrs. Fonseka added that SLSASA had to revise the swimming, diving and Waterpolo calendar due to changes in dates of examinations conducted by the Education Department.

The first meet - Sri Lanka Schools Swimming and Diving Championships will be held form August 11 to 14 at the Sugathadasa Stadium swimming pool. The entry forms have been already circulated and entries close on July 7. The 15th All-Island Schools Waterpolo Championships is fixed for October 2 at the Sugathadasa Stadium pool.

Sri Lanka Schools swimmers are also expected to compete at the Asian Schools Swimming and Diving Championships to be held in November in Singapore.