The Suva Olympic Pool was buzzing earlier this month with the 2023 National Schools Swimming Championships being held there.
Many secondary and primary school swimmers from around the country with their coaches and supporters gathered at the popular swimming pool to compete in the championship.
There were 27 primary schools and 20 secondary schools that were registered to compete with a total of 315 students – giving this year’s swimming championship a good rivalry platform.
The boys from Kaunikula dominated the boys division scooping 24 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals to come in at first place.
Even though the Swami Vivenkanda College (SVC) was at first place on day one, they only later managed to scoop 18 gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze medals to settle at second place behind Marist Brothers High School during the final day.
In third place was Drasa Avenue Primary School with seven gold, four silver and three bronze medals.
In the girl’s division, the girls from Waimanu proofed themselves the best in the girls’ competition. They took home 25 gold, 21 silver and 14 bronze medals.
In second place was the girls swim team from SVC.
They bagged 14 gold, six silver and 10 bronze medals while the Nadi Airport School came in at third place with 13 gold, 11 silver and five bronze medals.
The National schools swimming president Patrick Bower while speaking to our sports team said he was happy with the performances of the swimmers on day one.
“I’m really impressed with the performances and turnout,” he said.
“You can see that the kids are enthusiastic and are here to perform, and from an organiser’s point of view, it is good to see these types of competition.
“We could tell from their faces that they were really looking forward to the competition this year.
“From our perspective, this competition is much needed. We have competitions for schools in all sports and it’s good to see that swimming is one of the top competitions.
“It began way back in 1987 and the tradition has held on till this day although we had to stop a few years back due to COVID-19.
“The support has really been excellent and it’s good to see people in numbers to support their children.”
The championship was from June 9 to June 10.
