Royal-Thomian aquatic rivalry continues tomorrow

The rivalry between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College will continue in the pool with the inaugural Royal Thomian Aquatic Championship for the Dr. Jey Gunasegaram Trophy commencing tomorrow from 3.45 p.m. onwards at the Sugathadasa swimming pool.

Dr. Gunasegaram captained Royal College in 1957. Dr. Gunasekeram recalls that during his era in the 50s Royal did not have their own pool and in the true spirit of brotherhood of the schools were given the use of the S. Thomas’ College pool for their training. Dr. Gunasekeram said Royal College built strong bonds of friendship with its counterparts from S. Thomas’ College which was further enhanced by the Royal College swimming team visiting S. Thomas’, Gurutalawa to engage in friendly rivalry in the field of aquatics.

It is hoped that this event will help to cultivate those bonds amongst participants whilst giving a boost to swimming at S. Thomas’ College and Royal College. The joint organising committee seeks to utilise this event to encourage students to take up aquatic sports at a young age with the intention of bringing Royal College and S. Thomas College once again to the forefront of school swimming.

The event will feature swimmers from all age groups from the Under 9 to the Under 19 categories in the freestyle and medley relay format who will compete for the junior championship, the winners of which will be awarded the Commander A.C. Dassenaike Trophy while the senior champions will be awarded the Creon Corea Trophy. Royal College will be captained by Savinda Dissanayake and S. Thomas’ will be led by Shannon Ebenezer. The chief guests at the event will be the Warden of S. Thomas’ College and Principal of Royal College.  

There will also be a display by the divers of both colleges and in keeping with the past unity a special Old Boys Relay will also be held at the event. Entrance is free and fans, supporters and Old Boy swimmers from both colleges are invited to witness this historic encounter.