Brisbane to host nation’s swimming stars: Fraser

October 13 2006

Brisbane to host nation’s swimming stars: Fraser

Brisbane will play host to some of the nation’s greatest swimming champions at the Telstra Australian Swimming Championships in December.

Sport Minister Andrew Fraser attended the official launch of the Championships today and said Brisbane audiences will have their first chance to see their swimming heroes up close since hosting the Australian Short Course Swimming Championships in 2004.

“The past few years have been outstanding for Australian swimming as we have reinforced our position as one of the greatest swimming nations,” he said.

“Queensland swimmers have played a large role in this success, with the likes of Leisel Jones, Libby Lenton and Jessicah Schipper producing some of their best performances in the past twelve months.”

Mr Fraser said more than 450 swimmers would converge on the Chandler Aquatic Centre from December 3 to 10 for a week of intense competition.

“They will not only be competing for state pride, but a place in the Australian team as they prepare to take on the world at next year’s FINA World Championships.

“Of those 450, more than 100 will be representing Queensland so local audiences will have a range of stars to cheer for.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the Championships will be the return of Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett from injury and illness.

“They hold an impressive 13 Olympic medals between them so their presence will no doubt raise the standard of competition for all.

“It will be a thrill for the younger competitors to swim against them and the audience to see them in action.”

Mr Fraser said swimming was one of Australia’s most popular sports and one the Queensland Government was proud to support.

“Since 1998, we have provided nearly $25 million in funding, through Sport and Recreation Queensland, towards projects, programs and facilities that support the development of swimming throughout the state.

“We have also provided more than $2.5 million to Queensland Swimming for a range of participation programs and development initiatives.

“The Queensland Government also supports swimming through the Queensland Academy of Sport program which has produced stars like Grant Hackett, Libby Lenton, Leisel Jones and Jessicah Schipper.

“Their outstanding records speak for themselves, and highlights what we are doing to support the development of our elite athletes.

“Their achievements and position as role models have inspired legions of fans to adopt swimming and embrace a physically active lifestyle, which is especially important as we continue to tackle the growing problem of obesity across the state.”

Mr Fraser said these Championships would not only offer the opportunity to see many of the famous faces we have come to know and love, but witness the emerging starts of tomorrow.

“Many of these competitors will go on to represent Australia next year and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I have every confidence that Queensland audiences will come out in droves to support their local and national heroes.”

For further information on how the Beattie Government is helping more Queenslanders get active, contact your local Sport and Recreation Queensland office on 1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874