The 44th annual Sri Lanka Schools All Island Age Group Aquatic Championship will commence on the 29th of June and go on until the 2nd of July at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool.
The 44th edition of the meet will have a total of 180 schools participating with 82 boy’s schools, 52 girl’s schools and 46 mixed schools from all over the country. The Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Association is expecting a participation of close to 3000 swimmers with 1820 male applicants and 1108 female applicants this year and it will be one of the highest turnouts this championship has seen.
Similar to previous years the meet will accommodate swimmers from ages 9 to 19 in the 164 events that are to be held. There will be 140 individual events and 24 relays inclusive of the diving events to be held on the 30th and 1st of July.
Last year’s champions St. Joseph’s College Maradana and Mahamaya Girls School Kandy will once again be the schools to watch out for. St. Joseph’s have once again been having a good year as they were the champions of the 43rd age group nationals this year whilst Mahamaya has also had an equally good track record this year winning the senior national swimming championship but will face tough competition from Visakha Vidyalaya who beat Mahamaya earlier this year at the 43rd age group nationals. The pressure is on St. Joseph’s and Mahamaya to defend their title as they face tough competition from the likes of Visakha and Lyceum.
Head on over to the Sugathadasa Stadium this Thursday at 8 am to catch the opening ceremony of the championship graced by the presence of the chief guest Mr Sri Lal Nornis the Western Provincial director or if you miss it check ThePapare.com website to stay updated on what happens at the 44th Annual Age Group Aquatic Championship.
