The 2012 Bendigo Summer Meet created a splash yesterday, with more than 300 swimmers making the meet one of the biggest seen at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre in recent times.
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Twenty-two clubs from across the state dove into action at the event, which was run by the Bendigo Hawks Aquatic swimming club.
The BHA had 57 swimmers vying for medallions yesterday, while the Bendigo East Swimming Club fielded a similar number.
Three clubs from Melbourne “brought literally busloads of about 40 kids” to Bendigo for the event, meet director Greg Smith said.
A total of 322 swimmers aged from seven-and-under to open ages took part, with races held over 25m, 50m, 100m and 200m distances, including relays.
“We also had a dash-for-cash at the end of the day, which was exciting for patrons,” Smith said.
“The eight fastest boys and girls raced each other over 50m freestyle to win $50.”
Smith said the meet was one of the biggest he had seen in his 10 years involved in central Victorian swimming, except for the Victorian Country Championships held in Bendigo in January which attracted 700 swimmers.
The Summer Meet was one of the last chances for swimmers to qualify for the Victorian Age Championships beginning next week, as well as next year’s country championships.
“It was a great day for it and it all ran very smoothly. There was great teamwork from the swimmers and parents of the Bendigo Hawks.
“The parents put in a lot of effort and hard work to help organise everything.”
