Ex-Romanian national team member named Sliema ASC coach

Sliema ASC have appointed Stan Ioan Catalin as their new swimming team coach.

A former member of the Romanian national swimming team, Catalin, 26, hails from Bucharest and used to train with CSS2 Bucharest. Between 1992 and 1996, Catalin formed part of the Romanian national selection.

On taking over as Sliema coach, Catalin immediately brought his former mentor Mihai Costiniu over to Malta with the aim of conducting a training clinic for the Sliema swimming squad in preparation for the upcoming National Championships.

Costiniu, a category 1 coach, has been involved in swimming for over 30 years and is the president of the swimming commission in Bucharest. He has also successfully guided many swimmers to European, Olympic and world championships.

Catalin and Costiniu presided over an interesting and fruitful week-long training clinic for the Sliema swimmers at the National Pool in Tal-Qroqq. The practice sessions will now continue as usual under the guidance of Catalin who will be assisted by junior coach Kevin Casaru.

Meanwhile, the Sliema ASC summer swimming school will this year be held at their newly refurbished club premises. The swimming school, to be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, will be run by Catalin.

Beginning in the first week of July, the summer school will cater for beginners as well as advanced swimmers in different categories.

For more information about the swimming school and other Sliema ASC activities one may contact the club on 21-334134.