Koru cheers on swimmers at East Coast Champs

East Coast Champs is one of the most exciting events run in the Hawke’s Bay alongside the Hawke’s Bay/Poverty Bay Champs. The meet attracts swimmers from all over the east coast and this year from as far as Wanganui, Wellington and Auckland. It’s held at the Napier Aquatic Centre on the 17th and 18th of August with the first session starting at 8am.

Hawke’s Bays own Swim Safe Advisor Fiona Hurley attended the sessions assisting with marshalling and also MC - a first for Fiona. The junior events ranged from 7 – 11 years, and the seniors were 12 years and over. Junior heat swimmers received ribbons and place getters were awarded with medals, while the senior swimmers got to take away some well-earned prize money.

It was great to see such a big turnout of swimmers at the event and despite beautiful Hawke’s Bay weather there was no better place to be than the aquatic centre. There were so many young swimmers giving it their all and it was fantastic to see parents and supporters cheering them on.

On Sunday following the morning session the junior age group winners were announced with the help of Swimming New Zealand’s very own Koru the Kiwi. Koru managed some great photos with the kids and many remembered Koru from visiting their schools.

Koru also assisted the seniors with the prize giving and announcing the overall club points winners which this year was taken out by the Napier Aquahawks Swim Club.  After a busy weekend filled with early morning sessions, long days of racing, and evenings that went on into the night, there were many personal best times achieved by swimmers from all over.  The atmosphere at the venue was truly awesome and something that needs to be seen to be believed.

East Coast Champs is a well-run and organized event and a great starting place for competitive swimmers to gain experience competing against swimmers from other regions.

A huge thank you to Napier Aquahawks for organising the event and also the team at Napier Aquatic Centre for an awesome venue.