Colombo, Feb 28, 12.15PM – Sri Lanka’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) recently organized the National Intermediate Para-Swimming Championships at NCC Swimming Pool. It’s been 11 years since such an event took place in the country, with the last one occurring in 2013.
The aim of the championship was to build a group of talented para swimmers nationally and to establish standards in para swimming. Galina Basnayake and Naveed Raheem, Sri Lanka’s elite para swimmers and Para Asian Games medallists, participated in three events each during the competition.
A total of around 35 para swimmers from across the island joined in, competing in 73 events categorized into Under 15, Under 20, and open age groups.
The championship began with classification procedures managed by experts and a warm-up session. During this time, there were touching moments as athletes of different abilities supported and encouraged each other.
The National Paralympic Committee collaborated with various organizations, including the Rainbow Aquatics Club, which played a significant role in promoting para-swimming. Additionally, the NPC organized a five-day training camp for those interested in swimming, with support from multiple volunteers.
