23 March 2000

Christchurch to host World Swimming event  

International aquatic governing body, FINA today announced that Christchurch has been awarded the 2002 FINA World Masters Swimming Championships.

The Championships will include Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo events and will be based at the QEII Pool Complex.

Facilities at QEII are currently being upgraded and it is believed the high standard of proposed improvements to the complex was a significant factor in Christchurch being awarded the event.

The 2002 Championships are expected to attract over 3,000 participants and thousands more visitors to the city during the 14 days of competition.

"The economic impact and international exposure for Christchurch will be enormous", said Alistair Graham, Christchurch City Council Leisure Manager.

"This event will be one of the largest ever held in Christchurch and winning the bid to host it is testimony to the international standard of our facilities and the superb infrastructure available here", said Graham.

The 2002 FINA World Masters Swimming Championships are tentatively scheduled for early April 2002. Dates will be confirmed once checks have been made to ensure no clashes with other New Zealand or international swimming events.

For more information contact:

Alistair Graham,
Christchurch City Council Leisure Manager,
ph 025 330 937.