Swim Competitions are Back at Stamford American!

The Stamford American Aquatics Department has been busy… Swim Competitions are Back!

The Lions Swim Academy, which is run by our Aquatics Department, has gained permission to host their first internal swim competition since going into lockdown. It has been an intensive process, working through the necessary health protocols and restrictions to ensure that they meet both school and government requirements. Undeterred, the team are excited to see competitive swimmers race again at our superb swimming facilities.

The meet will see Elementary student-athletes race on Saturday 24^th April between 1pm-5pm. On Sunday 25^th April, the Middle and High School athletes will be in action.

“With some careful though we have been able to separate entrances and exits to the pool. The aquatics staff have really pulled together to brainstorm how we can make this work.” said Paul Dowey, Aquatics Director. “We are really grateful to Tyler & Melvin for the partnership we have struck with Camp Asia to facilitate safe management.”

Organisation of the meet will seem a little strange this year as there will be no spectators allowed on site, however we have permission for limited volunteers to help time keep. Coaches will be doing their best to cheer swimmers on and re-create some sort of atmosphere for the swimmers. The team have even given thought to live streaming the event. With help from the AV Department, a google meet will be available for parents to see some swimming. Only our Stamford Lions Swim Academy athletes have been allowed to enter, with each heat having the opportunity to swim down in between each heat.

The meet, known as ‘SAIS IM Ready’, is a nod towards the concept of developing an all-round swimmer. Swimmers will enter a range of distances and events to accumulate points. Entry to the event was based on a flat fee, rather than the per event charge normally seen at other meets. It will serve as a test event ahead of hosting another internal competition, Junior SEASAC.

“The electronic timing system will be used for the first time in 18 months, so it will be a great test event ahead of Junior SEASAC.” said Lead Coach, Grace Vertigans. “Junior SEASAC is an opportunity for our international school swimmers to showcase their skills against other school teams in South East Asia. Normally our swimmers would travel to take part but this year the meet is entirely virtual.”

Erik Richardson was full of praise for the aquatics staff. “It has not been an easy year, but Paul and his team have been determined to make sure our student-athletes didn’t miss out. Athletic Directors will be combining results from the various schools take part.”

Lions Swim Academy is the largest sport at Stamford American, offering a swim programme all year round at Stamford, including during school holidays. The weekday Academy is open to those who can complete 25m repetitions or more from Grade 3 and above. For those who are still learning, the Lions Swim Academy offer weekend swimming lessons through Camp Asia on Saturday and Sunday between 9am-12pm. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned swimmer, we should have opportunity for you! Contact [email protected] who will happily advise you on the next stage.