Reviewed by Sharukh Fairooz, Reshan Odayar and Thehas Dayarathne. (Web Content Team)
The Inter-House Swimming meet, held at the College Swimming Complex on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2023, united passionate swimmers in pursuit of victory for their houses. Sahayam House triumphed among the junior houses, while Simithraaratchy House emerged victorious among the senior houses in this year’s competition.
At the Heats, on the 2nd afternoon, the event started strong with the 133m Individual Medley Relay. Determined to break the record of 02.02.30, set by S.R.Tennakoon, the swimmers got on to the blocks. Amid a moment of silence at the Trinity Swimming Complex, the whistle marked the commencement of the individual medley, challenging swimmers with the Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle. The event ended with some brilliant wins and the Heats continued for the rest of the events, which were successfully completed.
The final segment of the Inter-House Swimming Meet was on the 3rd of November, graced by the Chief Guest Mr. Vinoth Kumar, an old boy, and an ardent swimmer who had secured championships during his time, and his wife, Mrs. Susheela Kumarappan.
The final events in the competition served a primary purpose of identifying youth talent while bolstering a culture of sportsmanship and friendly competition. The fierce rivalries of the houses were on full display as the day began with the 33m Butterfly stroke. The whistle blew and the swimmers plunged into the water and swam with one goal: victory.
The second event on the agenda was the exciting 33m breaststroke. The swimmers dived in, desperate for victory. The graceful and disciplined movements of the swimmers were a testament to rigorous training for months and weeks under their respective coaches.
Next, the 33m backstroke event commenced, as the first line of swimmers assembled at the marshaling point and lowered themselves into the water, full of anticipation.
With no distraction from the losses of the previous event, and no over confidence with the wins, the enthusiastic swimmers eager to bring glory to their respective houses, set out on achieving their next milestone- the 33M Freestyle event. Tension was brewing to its max.
Following a brief break, the Women’s Invited Relay featured participants from Hillwood College, Mahamaya College, Gateway College, and Girls’ High School. Hillwood College secured the top spot, followed by Mahamaya College and Gateway College. The Men’s Invited Relay followed, with swimmers from Dharmaraja College, Chandananda College, Kingswood College, and St. Anthony’s College. Dharmaraja College claimed the first position, with Kingswood College and Chandananda College securing the second and third spots, respectively.
In the final event, the Old Boys and Coaches swam in a Relay, and Old Boys emerged as winners.
Age Group Champions
Under 13 – Sithupa Ninduwara – Gibson House
Under 15 – Imesh Dissanayake – Sahayam House
Under 17 – A.M.Randunna – Simithraaratchy House
Under 19 – S.N.Ranaweera – Central Boarding House
Results – Junior Houses
- Sahayam House – 178
- Gibson House – 149
- Saunders House – 111
- Pilcher House – 045
- Squealery House – 038
Results – Senior Houses
- Simithraaratchy House – 208
- Central Boarding House – 117
- Garrett House – 097
- Oorloff House – 052
- Lemuel House – 033
The Inter-House Swimming Meet was not just a sporting event but an event for students to explore their talents and display their competitiveness. Our congratulations to all the participants and winners this year!
