Sliema ASC swimmers exceed expectations in Reading

A group of 11 swimmers from Sliema ASC recently took part in an Easter meet in England, organised by the Reading Swimming Club. The meet, held between April 14 and 16, was sanctioned by the British ASA.

The group, featuring swimmers aged between 11 and 16 years, was under the guidance of head coach Anita Mercieca Bons. Her team returned with a nine-medal haul - two gold, two silver and five bronze. They also figured in 13 finals out of 27.

In all, Sliema had 52 race entries in Reading with most of the swimmers clocking personal best times in different events. Though this was a short course meet, and as such better times were to be expected, the swimmers still exceeded expectations, some shaving off 10 or more seconds from their entry time in specific races.

The meet was contested by 31 other clubs with a total of 216 swimmers. Races were mainly over the 100m and 200m distances and the only 50m races were for freestyle.

In a club statement, Mercieca Bons declared herself satisfied with the results. Mario Cachia, the team administrator and a Sliema ASC committee member who accompanied the group in Reading, had words of praise for the swimmers' performances and general behaviour which was also commended by the organisers.

The Sliema group was assisted by the sponsorship of Immagine Casa.

During their stay in Reading, the Sliema swimmers had the opportunity to meet Great Britain's Olympic bronze medallist Steve Parry who attended the meet.

Parry swam the 200m butterfly in Athens 2004.