Swimmers warm up in national event

JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): The National Age Group Swimming Championships would serve as a tryout for Indonesian athletes before competing in the ASEAN Age Group Swimming Invitation, said the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) Secretary General Abdurrahim Napitupulu here on Thursday.

The championships, involving 132 boys and 101 girls from 17 provinces, take place at the Bali Cliff Hotel in Jimbaran from May 4 to May 6 while the invitation will be from May 26 to May 28.

"The reason Bali was picked to be the host for both events is due to security reasons. Many athletes' parents will not allow their children to compete in Jakarta because of this," Abdurrahim said.

PRSI aims to improve its position in the Southeast Asian invitation. Its swimmers have in the past always finished in third place behind Thailand and Singapore.

All ASEAN countries have been confirmed to compete in the invitation.

About 150 swimmers are predicted to join the event. (zen)