A new partnership between Swimming New Zealand and the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series will see the 2019 New Zealand Secondary Schools Open Water Championships held in conjunction with the Generation Homes Sand to Surf event on Saturday 9th February, in Mount Maunganui.
Entries for the championships are now open with year 9 – 13 secondary school students swimmers able to compete in races across 500m, 1.25km and 2.6km distances.
Previously the event was held alongside the New Zealand Open Water Championships in early January. Swimming New Zealand CEO Steve Johns says the change was necessary to better align the event with the school academic calendar.
“The new look NZ Secondary Schools Open Water Championships will provide another opportunity for students to compete in an open water event and unlike previously, this event will not be held during summer holidays, says Johns.”
Johns added, “We are excited to build the relationship with Banana Boat Ocean Swim Series organisers and the Generation Homes Sand to Surf offers a chance for the whole family to partake in the event alongside their child competing for secondary school honours."
The Generation Homes Sand to Surf event will see competitors competing at Mount Maunganui, one of the country’s most popular holiday spots.
Scott Rice, Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series Event Director, says the addition of the Championships is an exciting development for the Series.
“We are thrilled to be hosting this event as part of one of our most iconic and much-loved swim events,” said Mr Rice. “Open water swimming is flourishing in New Zealand and we can’t wait to see the next generation of top swimmers in action.”
Public events include the 2.6km, 1.25km, 500m and the Banana Boat OceanKids Series with distance across 300m, 200m and 100m. Organisers have also added an entirely new event – The Amphibian! Head into the surf for a 500m swim then tag your mate (or keep going yourself) on a 4.5km run around the base of Mt Maunganui before finishing back on the beach.
Important NZ Secondary School Open Water Event Information
- Entries close on Thursday 31 January at 5pm, and will not be re-opened. - There will be no late entries on the day. - All entries will be checked for eligibility with the participants. - Entrants will be able to enter the 2.6km or 1.25km, not both. - Entrants can also enter the 500m race alongside either of the other two events. - The age groups to be swum by both male and female are 12-13yrs, 14-15yrs and 16yrs and over. (Age calculation will be at the date of the event). - Students must be under 19 years of age on January 1 2019. - The competition is open to all Schools in New Zealand with Year 9-13 students. - Home schooled swimmers are ineligible to participate as stipulated by the New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council. - Students must be enrolled as bona fide students at the school of representation and study at least 80% of the programme.
Article courtesy of Swimming NZ
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