SANDAKAN: A Para Swimming Talent Camp (Kem Cari Bakat Renang Para) was held from Sept 3 to 5 to discover and develop future para swimming athletes from the district.
The camp was jointly organised by the National Sports Council of Malaysia (Para Sports Department), Sabah State Sports Council and the Sabah Para Swimming Association.
National para swimming coach Eva Wong, who also serves as Sabah head coach, led the programme alongside local coaches Ronisafihin Ibrahim, Thien Oi Yee and Ian Cheng Hong Ming.
Participants came from several local schools, including SMK Merpati, SMK Muhibbah, SK Merpati, SK Sung Siew and SK Gas, representing both physical and intellectual categories. Attendance was strictly limited to maintain quality and focus during the camp.
“This initiative is fully aligned with our vision of developing para swimming talents in Sabah,” said Ronisafihin expressing satisfaction with the participants’ performance.
The three-day programme included an introduction to para swimming, fitness and water tests, as well as classification into different competition categories.
Beyond athlete development, the camp also sought to recruit and inspire teachers to take on roles as future technical officers in the sport.
The organisers extended their gratitude to the Sabah State Sports Board for providing the venue, and the Sabah State Education Department for facilitating students’ and teachers’ participation.
Looking ahead, the National Sports Council plans to hold another development camp in November 2025, with participants from this programme shortlisted to continue their training.
The organisers also called for more impaired athletes to join future camps.
For further enquiries, interested parties may contact Ronisafihin Ibrahim at 014-866 6060.
