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