The 23nd Annual School Swimming Gala was held at the Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool on Wednesday, 10th October, 2012.

Under the radiating sunlight and traces of autumn zephyr, a large group of the eager S. C. Gawers gathered cheerfully at the entrance of the Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool, waiting for the breathlessly anticipated Annual Swimming Gala. At the swimming stadium, we could hear the spectators chatting endlessly to one another about the winners of different events. The surrounding air was filled with the eager anticipation of our spectators towards the swimming athletes. All the swimmers just couldn’t wait to get changed and jump into the chilly pool. The opening address of our Principal, Ms. Tang Wai Chun, Agnes and a gunshot symbolized the opening of the swimming gala.

The first event was the 25m Freestyle for Boys A Grade. Hearing a deafening “BANG”, the swimmers dived into the pool gracefully and swam quickly to the other end of the pool. With tremendous sportsmanship, every swimmer managed to finish the race and won a great round of applause. Their great performance showed the endurance, perseverance and humbleness of the S. C. Gawers.

The swimmers poured in their tremendous effort and strived for victory. On the spectators’ seats, the cheering teams screamed and chanted slogans in songs in order to support their house and classmates. Their perpetual support motivated the swimmers to bring the competition to a whole new level.

Undoubtedly, the climax of the day was the event of 4X50M invitation relay. The swimmers from the TWGHs Chan Zao Men College won over the other opponents and successfully got the champion title. The defeated swimmers continued to manifest their sportsmanship by reaching out their hands and giving the winning team their warm congratulations with a heart of admiration. After all, friendship comes first, doesn’t it?

The 23rd Swimming Gala was brought to an end by the prize-giving ceremony. Medals were given to the winners and a closing address was presented by Professor Patrick W.C. Lau, the Associate Head of Physical Education Department of Hong Kong Baptist University. In the closing address, he highly appreciated our school making every effort to organize the annual swimming gala which is regarded as a vital part of our school tradition. Then, with the influence of the recent vessel collision incident, Professor Lau urged us to get ourselves prepared for any tough time. Also, he encouraged us to learn how to swim and equip ourselves with skills and knowledge for the foreseeable future.

The Annual Swimming Gala has always been an important event in which multiple intelligences of students are nurtured and true friendship among the competitors is fostered. More importantly, the S. C. Gawers can learn true sportsmanship and the Everlasting S. C. Gaw spirit.

The 23rd Swimming Gala Opening Address by the School Principal
第二十三屆水運會開幕典禮校長致辭