Swimming stars to feature in Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships at Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre
The Apollo Projects NZ Age Group Swimming Championships will be held at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre.
Swimming New Zealand Head of Participation and Events, Dale Johnson said more than 470 swimmers from across New Zealand will compete in the five day event starting this Wednesday (April 12) and finishing on Sunday (April 16).
“The facility is world class and we can’t wait to host the first of several national swimming meets in Hawke’s Bay over the next couple of years.”
“We expect many personal bests, as well as some national records, as the pool looks fast and great for hosting events,” he said.
Three emerging stars to watch are Monique Wieruzowski (Aquabladz New Plymouth) and Summer Osborne (North Shore), have already qualified for the World Aquatics Championships to be held in Japan later this year. Fourteen year old Milan Glintmeyer (Kiwi West) is another to watch having already qualified for the World Aquatics Junior Championships in the 100m backstroke.
Wieruzowski , at just 15 years old broke the New Zealand women’s 50m record last week at the 2023 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships in Auckland while Osborne, 17 years of age, qualified for the 4 x 200m freestyle NZ relay team.
A feature of the championships will be a meet and greet on Sunday April 16 with swimming sensations Lewis Clareburt and Mya Rasmussen. This is open to the public from 4pm at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre.
Over 2023 and 2024 The Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre will four of New Zealand’s premium swimming championships, this week’s age group nationals followed by the 2023 New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championship in August, then back-to-back New Zealand Swimming Championships and New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships in April 2024.
Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust (HBCFCT) has formed a partnership with Swimming NZ, Swimming Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council to bring the events to the region.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it is fantastic to be able to host a national event which will bring people into the region and lift community spirits after Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We have had a rough time, but we’re open for business and the championships will bring tourists into the region to spend on accommodation, hospitality and retail.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise said sport events are a significant contributor to the local economy and the commitment of Swimming New Zealand to host events over the next two years proves that the region as nationally regarded sport facility infrastructure.
“Hawke’s Bay is blessed with many top quality major event facilities such as Pettigrew.Green Arena, McLean Park and the amazing indoor and outdoor facilities at
Mitre10 Sports Park and we have the potential to host major sport events either at one venue or across multiple venues.
“I can’t wait to cheer on competitors from our local clubs and experience the atmosphere at the Regional Aquatic Centre.drive vehicles.”
