Event Wrap of the 2024 Apollo Projects Division II Swimming Competition
The 2024 Apollo Projects Division II Swimming Competition was held last week at Waterworld Te Rapa (Hamilton) between Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 May.
Across the 5 days of competition there were 391 swimmers who got involved, with loads of personal best performances showcasing swimmers improving across the fun week of racing.
There was a terrific atmosphere around the pool across the week, with passionate supporting for teammates spurring each other on, and plenty of relay teams that became the highlight of each finals session. Andy McFarlane was on the microphone for the week, doing an excellent job in creating the fun atmosphere with spot prizes from our partner Teamline awarded for getting involved in crowd activations, such as dancing the "nutbush". Thanks to everyone for being part of the festive experience.
As has become the case in recent years, the competition also showcased some of the best dressed outfits, with the theme in 2024 being "Magic". About 200 swimmers, coaches and managers were decked out in some of the most impressive outfits, ranging from Harry Potter to wizards and even an appearance from Magic Mike, a clever play on the theme for the day. Coast (Mad Hatters), Dannevirke (Magical Creatures), Nelson South (Hogwarts crew) and Selwyn (Magician and his Rabbits) were the clubs to receive awards for their efforts.
Back by popular demand, the highly anticipated "Fun Relay" was held at the completion of the final night, where 23 relay teams made up of best friends, coaches, officials and staff completed a 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay. Some teams had some great names, including a group of coaches called "Back 2 the Future", and others were dressed the part to join in the fun. The relay highlighted the camaraderie that was present throughout the week in Hamilton.
In the break between heats and finals on Saturday, the sixth Dive Start Clinic was held for 40 kids to learn butterfly skills from Aquablacks Cameron Gray (Coast) and Helena Gasson (Coast) and Rio Olympian Tracy Breuer (Kiwi West). The clinics included demonstrations from Cameron Gray and rounded out with kids getting to race Gray in a 50m Butterfly, before a Q&A and photo/signing session rounded out the clinic. Thanks to everyone for participating and to our Aquablacks for making the trip for the clinic.
There was a close battle on for Top Club across the week, with the lead changing hands each day, with relays proving a key points opportunity. Pukekohe Swimming Club (1037 points) took home the award after establishing a strong lead on the final night, ahead of Selwyn (925) and the local St Paul's (917) in a close battle for second.
Swimming NZ's Head of Participation & Events, Dale Johnson, was really grateful to everyone for their support of our competitions over the past couple of months.
"Last week rounded out another super competition with a great vibe. A big thank you must go to everyone for being involved in our competitions over the past six weeks, with swimmers, coaches, managers, officials, supporters, partners and staff all playing their role in bringing the community together. We couldn't do it without each of you."
The event team now turns it's attention to the 2024 NZ Masters Swimming Championships taking place at Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland, where we can't wait to see people aged 18+ Unlock Their Greatness in the pool and see some of our coaches don the togs.
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