Aquatic centre to host major events

Rotorua Aquatic Centre is set to host two major swimming events next year. Photo/File

Rotorua Aquatic Centre will host two major swimming events for the first time next year.

Swimming New Zealand's 2017 New Zealand Junior Festival and 2017 New Zealand national Division II competition will be held in Rotorua in February and March respectively with more than 800 swimmers, coaches, and spectators expected to attend each event.

The successful bids to host the events in Rotorua was put together by Swimming Bay of Plenty, Rotorua Aquatic Centre, and Swim Rotorua.

Swimming Bay of Plenty chairperson Bronwen Radford said work to secure the events started 18 months ago.

"We were able to offer Swimming New Zealand a great venue and favourable prices. The Rotorua Aquatic Centre worked really hard to help us get the events here. It was a big team effort," she said.

"Having the meets in Rotorua is great for our local Bay of Plenty swimmers. These events are the start of a great pathway for kids."

"I am excited to show off all that Rotorua has to offer. We are central so it's easily accessible for most and there are so many activities available for our visitors while they are here," she said.

Both events will be held in the 25 metre short-course indoor pool. Most competitors at the event will be from out of town.

Rotorua Aquatic Centre manager David Pearce said the events will showcase that the partnership the Aquatic Centre has with Swim Rotorua and Swimming Bay of Plenty has been a key in securing these events.

"The sport of swimming here in the city is on the up and up. We have record numbers in our Rotorua Lakes Swim School, Swim Rotorua continue to do well on the local and national stage and with Rotorua's Kane Radford about to swim at the Rio Olympics, it is an exciting time," Mr Pearce said.

The 2017 Swimming New Zealand Junior Festival will be held from February 17-19 and the Swimming New Zealand national Division II Competition will be a four-day event from March 5-8.