Chch city going swimmingly
Almost 3000 swimmers from more than 40
countries arrive in Christchurch soon to attend the
FINA World Masters Swimming Championships. The event runs from runs from 24 March to 4
April and will be based at the City Council’s QEII
Park. Events at QEII include swimming, water
polo, diving and synchronised swimming. A 3km
Open Water Swim will be held at Corsair Bay on
Easter Sunday. Of the swimmers entered for the tournament,
more than 60 are over the age of 80.The oldest is
92-years-old.The masters grades start at age 25. With so many swimming competitors,
organisers warn that there may not be much
room for spectators at QEII Park. Staff at QEII Park say the facility is in full
preparation mode for the championships.This is a
huge event for the city and competition will centre
on QEII's dive pool and the new 10-lane 50m pool. The competition comes about six weeks before
the new themed Leisure Pool is due to open. The wave pool, lazy river, children's pool and
associated facilities including spas,sauna,steam room
and restaurant are set to capture the imagination
and exceed expectations in a spectacular manner.
2002 is certainly a big year for QEII Park. More information about the World
Masters Swimming Championships can be
found on the web, at www.eventnz.co.nz or
by calling 377-1700. More information
about the QEII Park aquatic centre can be
found at www.qeiipark.org.nz |