Swimming clubs head to Rotorua for school holiday training

The Rotorua Aquatic Centre is 'laying out the welcome mat' as its geothermal heated pools and indoor facilities attract North Island swimming clubs during the July school holidays.

The swimming complex has been hosting the out-of-town clubs over the past two weeks as they head to Rotorua for their winter training camps.

In the first week of the holidays Swimzone Racing, Parnell, and Waterhole from Auckland; Te Awamutu Club; St Pauls from Hamilton; St Peters from Cambridge; and Napier's Aquahawks have trained at the aquatic centre.

More than 150 swimmers, coaches and parents have come to the city to train at the facility, with some staying for the entire week.

Rotorua District Council Aquatic and Leisure Manager Louis Sylvester said the teams have come to take advantage of the Centre's unique geothermal heated 50 metre pool and much sought-after indoor facilities, stating "the visiting swimmers provide a welcome boost not only to the aquatic centre, but they also bring economic benefits to the community through accommodation, hospitality, recreation, food and retail providers.

"Laying out the welcome mat to swim clubs from around the North Island is not only part of fulfilling our vision of being New Zealand's leader in aquatic facilities and services, but ensures that Rotorua as a whole is a winner."

Local swim club, Swim Rotorua, which operates from the aquatic centre, has strongly supported the visiting teams.

Head Coach Alastair Johnson says the club's young swimmers welcome the opportunity to train with other clubs, adding "it gives me the chance to swap ideas with other coaches, and it's also ideal for our preparation for the big winter competitions that are coming up."

9th July 2010 - ROTORUA AQUATIC CENTRE WINS GOLD ENVIRONMENT AWARD