Christchurch to host 2008 Oceania Aquatic Championships
Christchurch will host next year’s Oceania Aquatic Championships. They won the support from Swimming New Zealand who stepped in to run the championships initially scheduled for Samoa.
Swimming New Zealand put in an emergency bid for the event after Samoa withdrew citing a lack of resources and capability. It was last hosted by New Zealand in Christchurch in 2000.
Christchurch was selected by Swimming New Zealand from three cities to host the championships on 5-8 June 2008, subject to final ratification of dates by FINA.
The Oceania Championships is likely to include a full-strength New Zealand squad as part of their preparations for next year’s Beijing Olympics.
Australia may also choose to send some of their elite squad for the championships which is expected to attract 300 competitors and coaches from 12 Oceania countries in swimming and synchronised swimming.
Swimming New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Veric said he was delighted in the support shown by the Christchurch City Council, as well as SPARC who have supported the meet.
“SNZ put our hands up to host as we did not want to see this very important competition not go ahead next year.†Mr Veric said.
“From that point Christchurch City Council has been extremely proactive in its desire to host this international event. Everyone from Mayor Garry Moore to their events and facility management teams has been outstanding.â€Â
Mr Veric said Christchurch had a history in hosting major swim events in this country.
The Oceania Championships will probably involve two New Zealand teams – the Beijing Olympic squad and the New Zealand Development team.
“These are our next echelon of swimmers and these championships will play a vital role as we develop these swimmers through to the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics.â€Â
SPARC has also endorsed the hosting of this international event.
Swimming New Zealand put in an emergency bid for the event after Samoa withdrew citing a lack of resources and capability. It was last hosted by New Zealand in Christchurch in 2000.
Christchurch was selected by Swimming New Zealand from three cities to host the championships on 5-8 June 2008, subject to final ratification of dates by FINA.
The Oceania Championships is likely to include a full-strength New Zealand squad as part of their preparations for next year’s Beijing Olympics.
Australia may also choose to send some of their elite squad for the championships which is expected to attract 300 competitors and coaches from 12 Oceania countries in swimming and synchronised swimming.
Swimming New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Veric said he was delighted in the support shown by the Christchurch City Council, as well as SPARC who have supported the meet.
“SNZ put our hands up to host as we did not want to see this very important competition not go ahead next year.†Mr Veric said.
“From that point Christchurch City Council has been extremely proactive in its desire to host this international event. Everyone from Mayor Garry Moore to their events and facility management teams has been outstanding.â€Â
Mr Veric said Christchurch had a history in hosting major swim events in this country.
The Oceania Championships will probably involve two New Zealand teams – the Beijing Olympic squad and the New Zealand Development team.
“These are our next echelon of swimmers and these championships will play a vital role as we develop these swimmers through to the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics.â€Â
SPARC has also endorsed the hosting of this international event.