THE Victorian Country Long Course Swimming Championships are in safe hands in Mildura, according to Swimming Victoria chief executive Jason Hellwig.
More than 600 competitors are competing and an expected turnout of over 3000 people are coming to support at the crown jewel event on the calendar for regional swimmers across the state.
After earning rave reviews for hosting the event in 2022, Mildura Swimming Club, Mildura Waves and Mildura Rural City Council have come together again to host this year’s incarnation, as they will again in 2027.
Competitors and supporters from 34 clubs, including two from Sunraysia, will take part in the three-day event, starting on Saturday.
“I think everyone is really looking forward to it,” Hellwig said.
“While it’s been a couple of years, we know Mildura host a great event and we’re looking forward to more of the same.
“The country championships is one of the big meetings on our calendar and probably has the biggest atmosphere of any of our events. Where there is a bit of travel involved to get everyone together I think all clubs really show up when it comes to support.
“We have a lot of confidence in the local organising committee and not just from the swimming side of things, but between the Mildura Swimming Club and the local council and the investment from the local government to go towards the facility and equipment such as touch pads.
“It’s always great working with people who are really invested in making it a great event.”
Hellwig said that bringing this many visitors to the region would have benefits outside of strong competition in the pool.
“It’s a lot of clubs and a lot of people who will come up and get to enjoy a place that is a destination outside of where many might go,” he said.
“People will also get a chance to sample everything Mildura has to offer.
“The events team have done a fantastic job, but it’s also been all the accommodation providers, food vendors, everyone has really been getting behind it and wants to see it do well.”
Hellwig said providing pathways for regional swimmers to make it to the top level was high on their list of priorities.
He pointed to the current talent coming from regional Victoria as an example.
“The quality of the swimming is going to be incredibly high. You have some of the best young swimmers, not only in the state but in the country, who will be there,” he said.
“The likelihood is that you might witness a future Olympian or Paralympian taking part.
“Seeing swimmers from regional areas competing at the highest level is something we absolutely want to see more of. To see them flourishing is fantastic.”
The Victorian Country Long Course Swimming Championships will run from Saturday, January 18, to Monday, January 20.
The event will be live streamed free on the Swimming Victoria YouTube channel as well as Kayo Freebies.
