The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) will continue its first Inter-Club meet for 2009 this weekend at the Castellani Pool on Homestretch Avenue.

The competition will give swimmers the opportunity to attempt longer events that are usually only included in the GASA nationals. Many of the swimmers are well acquainted with shorter distances and seem to prefer these to longer distances.

President of GASA Karen Pilgrim told Stabroek Sport that these meets are a way of bringing swimmers from different clubs together while encouraging participation in events such as the 400, 800 and 1500m.

“GASA is trying to get swimmers into the habit of doing more long distance events because most of them prefer the shorter distances. One of the few swimmers who actually enjoy doing the longer distances is Henk Lowe.”

Pilgrim said also that in order to be on par with regional and international athletes more work needs to be put into distance training.

Competitors may  enter as many events as they wish and take the opportunity to get a feel of swimming longer distances in the 25m pool.

Last weekend’s action will continue at the Castellani Pool this Saturday and Sunday with over 20 events being scheduled. Participating clubs include Dolphin Speed Swim Club, Dorado Speed Swim Club, Orca Speed Swim Club and Silver Shark Aquatic Swim Club.

Some 60 swimmers from the four swimming clubs are expected to attend the meet which commences at 7:00am.