The 2024-2025 Swimming Gala witnessed breakthroughs of our athletes. Apart from our celebrated records in the recent Inter-school Swimming Competition (Division One), new records were made one after another on October 24 at Victoria Park Swimming Pool. Chan Yin Yan broke the school records of 50m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 50m butterfly. Tang Cheuk Yan made a new 100m backstroke record.
The neck and neck competition in the sapphire pool attracted thunderous cheers at the spectator stand, where the six houses packed the stadium, bellowed in exuberance for their respective house members.
There was a range of styles for keen swimmers to choose from: butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke. Among the events, the open grade relay and medley relay brought together the fittest athletes from the six houses to flex their muscles.
Ultimately, House of Pankhurst seized both B and C Grade House Championship and became the esteemed House Overall Champion. House of Bronte came first in 4x50m Medley Relay, A Grade 4x50m Freestyle Relay and Cheering Competition.
House of Pankhurst was C Grade Individual Champion. Both A Grade and B Grade Individual Champions come from House of Bronte.
Mr Chiu Hin Chun, Hong Kong competitive rower and our guest of honour, Ms Kitty Chan, the Alumnae Association representative, Mr Benny Cheuk, the PTA Chairman, Miss Renie Sinn, our Principal, Miss Irene Yung, Mr David Hung and Miss Chan Yuk Lin took turns to present the trophies and medals to the winners.
Mr Chiu addressed the school on the value of resilience. The esteemed Hong Kong rowing delegate to Rio Olympics, Paris Olympics and 2018 Asian Games Association gave credits to the ups and downs and lessons learnt from less desirable performance in double sculls. He underlined the magic of self-evaluation and making continuous adjustments after each competition with his coaches.
But for the untiring efforts of the PE Department, the Sports Society, swimming coaches, the Student Council, the Houses, teacher and student officials, the Swimming Gala would not have been made possible. Congratulations to our Sacred Heart swimmers on their accomplishments!
