Swimmers from around the province will soon begin flooding into the Tri-Cities.
More than 1,200 athletes and hundreds of coaches and volunteers will be in Coquitlam next week for the B.C. Summer Swimming Association Provincial Championships. Athletes aged from eight to 18 from 60 different clubs will compete in speed swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo from Aug. 12-18 at Spani Outdoor Pool and the City Centre Aquatic Complex.
"BCSSA is thrilled to be returning to Coquitlam for this year's provincial championships, which culminate our summer swimming season," said Kerry Sheppard, BCSSA president.
More than 5,000 people are expected to be coming to support the athletes in Coquitlam, which last hosted the provincials in 2000. Planning for the event has been going on for over a year, led by a local committee with support from the provincial governing body.
"The local organizing committee has worked long and hard to put together a tremendous event, and we are grateful to the wonderful people of Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area for their co-operation and assistance and for their enthusiastic welcome to our athletes, families and volunteers," said Sheppard."Spectators are welcome - we promise a fabulous week of aquatic competition, sportsmanship and fun."
Athletes will be coming from eight regions and represent 60 different clubs, with 900 swimmers competing at Spani Outdoor Pool from Aug. 16-18. The aquatic complex will play host to 300 athletes competing in water polo from Aug. 12-14, with 35 divers and 70 synchronized swimmers hitting the pool Aug. 14-15.
