156 swimmers for indoor meet at Millennium Stand pool

An encouraging entry of 156 swimmers was registered for last weekend's first ever short course indoor swimming meet in Malta held at the Millennium Stand Pool.

The event was open to local swimming clubs. The organisers were the pool management at the facilities in Ta' Qali in conjunction with Sliema ASC.

Nine teams participated, namely, Sliema, Neptunes, Exiles, Sirens, Razzett Tal-Hbiberija Iasis Club, Ta' Qali Swimming School, Triton SS, Special Olympics and the national swimming squad. There were also some swimmers unattached with no particular club.

In all, there were 32 events, bringing up the number of race entries, excluding relays, to 550. A total of 117 races were held in an evening packed with enthusiasm.

The atmosphere was tremendous and the climax was reached with the team relays which always offer great excitement.

Medals, to those in age groups between 1995 and 1989, were presented by Richard Mercieca, HSBC Area Manager Mosta, and various other swim sport personalities.

The meet was conducted in accordance with international rules and was officiated by FINA-approved starter Martin Vella and Dr Michael Gialanze, the ASA Swimming Board chairman.

Clubs helped in making the meet run smoothly by providing officials, time-keepers and helpers. There was also assistance from the staff at the indoor pool complex.

Swimmers will now focus their build-up on the ASA Easter International meet.