Coach Spotlight
KLASS Swimming and Coach CT
What got me into Coaching?
- My swimming journey began at age 7, when I was sent to swimming lessons. This opened up a world of opportunities. After years of hard work and training, I joined the water polo team in secondary school and eventually represented my home state of Perak at national competitions at 16.
- Even after graduating from university, my passion for water polo remained strong. I coached the Perak u16 and u18 state teams to medal success from 2008 to 2010. This experience ignited my desire to work with younger people. I also coached the Royal Malaysian Navy's swimming and water polo teams to consecutive interservice championships.
- Comparing my experiences with adults and children, I find the most satisfaction in watching children grow and develop. Witnessing the grit and determination of military servicemen has also shaped my perspective. However, I've noticed a lack of creativity in adults that children often possess, leading to those 'light bulb moments' of understanding.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- Photography and Warhammer tabletop gaming used to take up most of my time until my children came into my life.
Do you have any fun facts or hobbies?
- Coach CT speaks 3 languages (English, Mandarin and Malay). I did not pick up the Malay language until I started working with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Sporting hero?
- Ivan Perez, Spanish water polo player (Long time Spanish captain)
Favorite sport growing up?
- Waterpolo. Where I met friends and learnt to play as a team.
What is your goal for Season 1 in swimming?
- To have swimmers feeling positive about themselves around the pool and improving in swimming
Upcoming Weekly Sport Fixtures:
- Wednesday 9 Oct - U9 and U11 Swimming AIMS Series 1 at ISP
- Our U9/U11 boys and girls swimmers are competing at ISP for the first AIMS series of the year.
- Saturday 12 Oct - U9 and U11 KLASS LIONS ROAR at Secondary Campus
- We are excited to be hosting the KLASS LIONS ROAR swimming event at our Secondary campus on Saturday. This event will see primary and secondary swimmers from multiple s .We would love to see as many parents out there supporting.
- International Swimming Trips reminders:
- Apart from the many swimming events during the year, our swimmers will also have the option to compete at two international swimming events.
- Feeding Frenzy (5 - 9 Dec 2024) @Bankok Patana school, Thailand
- FOBISIA Swimming (21 - 23 Feb 2025) @RugbySchool Pattya, Thailand
Link to all International Trips
U9/U11 Climbing BOYS & GIRLS
On Saturday the 21st of September the Primary School Climbing Team took part in the first event of the year at the CISCL Bouldering Event at Camp 5 Eco City Climbing Gym. It was a fantastic morning of climbing action as the children pitted themselves against the unique challenges of 30 different problems. Looking to amass as many points as possible whilst creating lifelong memories with friends and teammates, both the Alice Smith Coaches and the Camp 5 organizers, were so impressed to see the resilience, determination and camaraderie between our students as they supported each other in being leading ambassadors for the school.
We must also acknowledge the fantastic support and contribution made by the passionate and dedicated parents who were there alongside our students every step of the climb. Thank you so much for all of your energy and support.
After the action, joy and excitement of both U9 and U11's performances we managed to come out victorious as we climbed to the top spot as Champions. Such a victory is a collective not an individual, every child contributed their points and made Alice Smith Climbing Team such a success and we thank all the children for an amazing and inspiring effort.
~ Coach Ben ~
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