SUNDERLAND Aquatic Centre will find itself in the national spotlight in August after it was selected as the host venue for the British Gas ASA National Swimming Championships.
The competition, which takes place from August 18 to 21, will be the final qualification event for this autumn’s Commonwealth Games, and competitors will be looking to secure their place in the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish teams travelling to Delhi.
Leading North-Eastern swimmers such as Joanne Jackson, Jessica Dickons, Ian Hulme and Aimee Wilmott are expected to compete alongside other established British stars, such as double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington and world champion Liam Tancock.
Richmond-born Jackson broke the world 400m freestyle record in the last British Championships, which were held in Sheffield last March.
Sunderland Aquatic Centre, which is located alongside the Stadium of Light, was only opened in 2008, and the hosting rights for this year’s National Championships are a major feather in the venue’s cap.
ASA events manager Lucy Rouse said: “It is really exciting to be holding the British Gas National Championships 2010 at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
“We are looking forward to working alongside Sunderland City Council to produce a top-class event and we thank them for their support in producing this competition.
“By holding the competition in a new city, we are encouraging more people to see the sport and our swimming heroes will hopefully inspire the people of the North-East into the pool.”
Paul Young, Sunderland Aquatic Centre manager, said: “I’m really excited that this high-profile event is coming to Sunderland in August.
“The centre’s team and I are looking forward to working with the ASA and supporting them to ensure the event is a great success.
“Having a national event coming to the pool will really show off the facility to the nation, and demonstrate its full potential. I’m really pleased to hear that all the top British swimmers will be competing, including some Olympians.
“These Championships are hugely significant, being the final qualification for the Commonwealth Games. I really hope they are inspiring.”
Ticket details will be released in due course.
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