Ikan Bilis Swimming Club (IBSC) was again invited by the organizer of BISP Invitational to take part in their now-annual Age-Group Swim Meet in Phuket. The Meet was held in the magnificent campus of the British International School in Phuket; boasting of a 50m Olympic-sized pool and a 25m training pool among its facilities.
A total of approximately 500 swimmers from 20 regional clubs participated in this 3-days competition. The competition attracted participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, China and even a distance entry from Denmark. IBSC sent only 3 girls, they were Jolin Ong (13-14), Riverling Choo (9-10) and Heidi Soo Jeng Hei (9-10). IBSC’s other seasoned campaigners, Ng Yen Sze (13-14) and Ng Lee Sze (11-12) were there as well representing Garden International School.
This Meet was very well organized from the registration process to the distribution of results down to the closing ceremony. Coming close to another Swim Meet in Phuket, the Thanyapura Invitational of which IBSC was regularly invited as well; comparisons between the two Meets are inevitable. The superb organization of this event could be attributed to BISP’s experienced staffs, having held this event annually for the past 10 years. Last minute entry was not entertained to ensure smooth running of the race with almost clockwork precision. According to the Team Manager, he has not heard of any major protest from the participating teams throughout the 3 days event. Swimmers and parents were accorded separate areas, where no parents were allowed in swimmers area.
Swimmers and parents are afforded an air-conditioned gymnasium area for them to escape the balmy Phuket summer heat, while the team managers could use the teachers’ lounge to refresh. Each participant is provided THB 160 voucher per day for lunch and the food selection is satisfactory.
IBSC’s treesome team produced commendable performance with encouraging sets of PBs. Despite their first swim meet outside Malaysia and being relatively new in IBSC, Jolin Ong and Heidi Soo both overcame their nerves to compete with more experienced swimmers. They managed to fish out some coloured ribbons for their commendable placings. Meanwhile Riverling Choo managed to secure the Best Performing Girl for age-group 9-10 with 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze.
We will be back next year with a bigger contingent!!!!
CH Choo
Team Manager
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