Christchurch wins bid to host 2008 Oceania Aquatic Championships

7 June 2007

Christchurch City Council has won the bid to host the 2008 Oceania Aquatic Championships at QEII Park next June.

The event will bring to Christchurch more than 300 competitors, coaches and trainers from 12 countries for four days of swimming and synchronised swimming on 5 to 8 June next year, subject to final ratification of dates by FINA, the sports governing body.

"The Council’s successful bid is a tribute to the high calibre of sporting and event expertise in Christchurch, the city’s world-class venues and infrastructure and exemplary track record in hosting such international events," says Council Recreation and Sport Manager John Filsell.

"Christchurch has a long and outstanding sporting tradition which Swimming New Zealand has recognised by awarding the city the hosting rights for the 2008 Oceania Aquatic Championships."

He says Christchurch and Canterbury will be privileged to watch some of the world’s top swimmers in action during the championships which will be a qualifying round and lead up to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

"I encourage everyone to mark these dates in their diary now and take up the opportunity to see international class swimming not seen in the city since 2000 when Christchurch last hosted the championships. This event was an overwhelming success."

Mr Filsell says he welcomed the opportunity for the city to again partner with Swimming New Zealand and FINA to host another successful world-class event.

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