Wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of more than 240 swimmers from 17 clubs across the Gold Coast, Northern NSW and Brisbane when they and their families came together at the Bond University Pool and Sports Centre for the Inaugural Bond University Spring Carnival.
A number of strong performances were achieved and new meet records set during the 33 events which were held across Friday 9th and Saturday 10th September.
Bond University Swimming Club Head Coach, Richard Scarce said the Spring Carnival, which was the first long course meet for the region, was the perfect way to kick off the season.
“Despite the wild weather conditions, it was great to see a number of state and national qualifying times achieved this early in the season,” Richard said.
“With our new swim infrastructure in place and operational - including the end wall, lane ropes, bulk-head and Omega kick blocks – we were able to stage a high-quality, professional meet with a fun and friendly atmosphere.”
Assistant Coach Kyle Samuelson said the new Bond Sports Centre made an excellent impression on the event participants and officials.
“The Sports Centre really showcases the pool and provides amazing overhead views of the events for the marshalling area,” Kyle said.
“Holding an event like this at Bond, with such strong performances from so many good swimmers, is an excellent way to raise community awareness of our Club and the University,” Kyle said.
Alan Smith, Chief Referee from Swimming Gold Coast – who provides officials, training, information and support to the region’s swimming clubs – said the Spring Carnival was very impressive, especially given it was Bond’s first official meet.
“The Bond University Swimming Club provided top-notch facilities, support and a really good atmosphere,” Alan said.
“It was great to have a meet at the newest venue on the Gold Coast. Our congratulations goes to the Bond team on running a very successful inaugural meet – and we hope, the first of many.”
Despite this being the Club’s first meet - judging from the turnout, results and feedback, the Bond University Spring Carnival looks set to become a firm fixture on the south-east Queensland club swimming calendar.
Bond University Swimming Club offers squads for Juniors, State Development, National Age Group and National Open levels and is home to dual-Olympian Cameron McEvoy and a large contingent of national and state title holders. Find out more about the Club.