AFTER a 12 year hiatus, the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) National Swimming Championships are returning to Port Stephens.
Four hundred swimmers from across the nation will take to the water when Nelson Bay Diggers Swimming Club hosts the 90th annual AIF major carnival this Saturday at the Tomaree Aquatic Centre.
The Nelson Bay Diggers last hosted the event back in 2014.
AIF swimmers aged 18 years and over, including evergreen competitors into their 90s, will participate in the prestigious event with major support from Nelson Bay Swimming Club and Wests Diggers.
Established back in 1936, the carnival features all stroke and relay events off a scratch/handicap system.
Following the special one day meet, swimmers will enjoy a dinner at the Nelson Bay Bowling Club.
The AIF Swimming Association is the longest established adult swimming association in Australia and the fifth oldest in the world.
It evolved from the Limbless Soldiers Swimming Club formed in 1926 and involves swimmers of all levels and abilities within both the AIF and general community.
Nelson Bay Diggers will be represented in the pool by six club stalwarts – current president Richard Barwick, 61; vice president Keith Elliott, 60; Angela Sinclair, 62; husband-and-wife Mick Riley and Deb Riley, both aged 47, and the club’s oldest competitor Ted Nabeuer, aged 81.
They will compete in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and relay events.
Club president Barwick told News Of The Area that the Diggers squad have tuned up for the championships with their regular Sunday club swim at the Tomaree pool.
“This is a goodwill carnival with competitive racing and an excellent way to stay fit and healthy while forming new friendships,” beamed Richard, who has chalked up nearly 45 years service with both the Forbes and Nelson Bay clubs.
Other clubs participating at this year’s carnival include Southport, Maroubra Diggers, Coogee Diggers, Cronulla RSL, Manly Diggers, Bronte, Nerang, Mackay Cyclones, Bondi Diggers, Cobar Yabbies, Gosford Diggers, Kurranulla, Bellingen,. Twin Towns, Ballina RSL and Lismore Diggers.
Nelson Bay Diggers Swim Club meet on Sundays at the Tomaree Aquatic Centre from 9.30am. Swimmers of all ages interested in joining should contact secretary Amy Barwick 0416 022 094.
By Chris KARAS
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