KUCHING: Family support took centre stage as young swimmers launch into a competitive 2026 at the 52nd Sarawak Age Group (SAG) Swimming Championships.
The championships, held at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre from January 2 to 4, serve as an early-season benchmark for age-group development.
Parents, siblings and relatives are present throughout the three-day meet.
Their presence provides encouragement as young swimmers compete in the championships, which is the first aquatic sports event to officially open the 2026 sporting calendar.
One parent, Dick Chew, said his son Sheamus Chew is competing in the 1,500m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 100m butterfly and 50m backstroke events.
He said Sheamus is maintaining his performance well, adding that the family is proud but cautious about managing expectations.
“The next major competition after SAG is the Malaysia Invitational Age Group (MIAG) meet in February, followed by the MSSM championships. Both are important events where Sheamus will represent Sarawak,” he told the Sarawak Tribune today.
Besides swimming, Dick and his wife, Janne Voon, also place emphasis on ensuring Sheamus maintains a healthy balance with his academics.
Another swimmer, Chereen Ngo Yirui’s father, Ngo Sie Haw, said the family reviewed her schooling arrangements after considering the academic demands at Chung Hwa Middle School No. 1 last year, which involved frequent examinations and assessments.
“To help her better balance her studies and swimming commitments, we decided to transfer her to a local international school, which provides greater flexibility and exposure,” he said.
He added that the move has made it easier for her to cope with training and competition demands.
The 52nd SAG Swimming Championships also serves as a key selection meet for the 2026 Malaysia Invitational Age Group (MIAG) and the Schools Sports Council of Malaysia (MSSM) championships, with 262 swimmers taking part.
Five associations – Bintulu Amateur Swimming Association (BASA), Kuching Amateur Swimming Association 2010 (KASA2010), Kota Samarahan Amateur Swimming Association (KOTAS), Miri Amateur Swimming Association (MASA) and Sibu Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) – are competing across six age categories, ranging from nine years old and below to 21 years old.
