Cambodia's Children's Swimming Competition Attracts 137 Participants for 2026 Event

The Cambodian Swimming Federation (KSF) has announced that a total of 137 children will participate in the 3rd KSF Children's Swimming Competition, scheduled to be held on August 1, 2026. In an interview with AKP (Agencia de Noticias de Camboya) on July 31st, KSF Secretary General Hem Kiri stated that as of the registration deadline on July 29th, 137 child swimmers had confirmed their participation. This number exceeds last year's participation, and the competition will feature 50 events divided by age categories. Mr. Hem Kiri highlighted the primary objectives of this competition. Firstly, "to provide competitive opportunities for children." Sports like swimming require development from a young age, and competitive experience fosters growth as athletes. Secondly, "to provide enjoyment for the children." He pointed out that without a platform to showcase their skills, children may not have the chance to demonstrate their abilities or experience the joy of competition. As part of KSF's long-term vision, the Secretary General expressed hope for the participation of both Cambodian and foreign children residing in Cambodia in sports activities. Among Cambodia's diverse sports, swimming is seen as particularly promising for providing opportunities for children to enhance their skills and demonstrate courage. The federation also prioritizes the safety of participants. Mr. Hem Kiri commented on the current situation where some privately organized competitions are held without collaboration with the federation. He mentioned that by utilizing the swimming pool facilities at the Olympic Stadium, which the federation manages, KSF can create a more accessible environment for children to participate. Furthermore, holding the event on a weekend allows children to gather, fostering friendships and solidarity. This competition emphasizes participation over winning, with all participants receiving medals and souvenirs. The top three winners will be awarded medals as further encouragement. Ultimately, the goal is for healthy children to become valuable human resources for Cambodia. Source: AKP Khmer