The ninth Annual Mercantile Swimming Championship for the President’s Challenge Trophy organized by the Thurstan College Aquatic Club in association with Sri Lanka Amateur Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) will be worked off on 4 October at Thurstan College Swimming Pool Complex, commencing 7.30 a.m.
The inaugural championship in 2007 was a tremendous success with a large participation of swimmers and won by John Keels Holdings, who continued to dominate the competition and win the coveted Challenge Trophy up to year 2010. However, in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 MAS Holdings became the champions.
This year so far, 27 companies have registered for the championship, and over 600 swimmers are expected to participate. The events have been divided into three categories – novices, championship and veterans – said technical committee Chairman Gavin Amarasinghe at the press briefing held at SSC on Tuesday.
The organizing committee members of the Mercantile Swimming Championship this year too is made up of Thurstanite Old Boys headed by Graetian Gunawardene, founder of Thurstan Swimming Pool Complex, and Gavin Amarasinghe, with the organizing committee Chairperson Maj. Gen. Dudley Perera supported by many past Thurstanites from various eras from the inception of the school who are working tirelessly to make it a grand event.
Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara will grace the closing ceremony which will be on the same day at 5.30 p.m.
