This follows the hugely successful 2017 Victorian Country Championships, held in Sale, which saw achievements spanning from country records broken, to world record applications. Swimming Victoria is excited to see how the event can be pushed even further by the newly invigorated Goulburn Valley District swimming association.
“The event reflects an ongoing change in the Goulburn Valley District, which was facing the possibility of merging with surrounding districts only three years ago. The spirit and determination shown in building up this community have made it the perfect host for this landmark event,” said Goulburn Valley District Swimming Association President, Rodney Jackson.
"Our district has great clubs, great people, great coaches, great swimmers," said Mr Jackson. "This will give them and our sport in the region a well-deserved moment in the sunshine."
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dinny Adem hopes to see the event grow support for swimming and bring more people to the region as a result.
"The Championships will draw competitors, officials and families from all around the state, which will create an amazing atmosphere over the three days at Aquamoves," he said. "Council estimates the flow on effect to the local economy will be $1.5M, which is just fantastic."
"There is no event more exciting, loud, colourful and fun filled than the Country Championships," Paul Malcolm, Swimming Victoria President, said. "We look forward to bringing the excitement of country swimming, along with the anticipated 700 swimmers and 2,000 swimming community members, to Shepparton next year."
The 2018 Victorian Country Championships will commence on Australia Day, Friday 26 January and will run over the weekend until Sunday 28 January.
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Tubb at jacqueline.tubb@vic.swimming.org.au
