Swimming Australia make a 'BIG SPLASH' in Manchester

Manchester has been chosen as the official training camp for the Australian Olympic Swimming Team, in the run up to the London Olympic Games in 2012.

Swimming Australia, one of the worlds biggest and most high profile swimming teams, has signed a long-term deal with Manchester City Council, which will see them train at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, managed by Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust, in preparation for at least three major competitions until 2014.

The deal has been supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency as part of their role helping to secure pre 2012 training camps for the region, along with support from Marketing Manchester.

Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust have worked closely with Manchester City Council to make this agreement possible, one of the biggest signings for the country to date in the lead up to London 2012, further strengthening Manchester's profile and reputation on the international stage.

The news demonstrates the wider UK benefits of hosting the 2012 Olympics in London and is further proof of Manchester's tremendous sporting legacy, borne out of the Commonwealth Games in 2002.

Swimming Australia's training programme in the city will commence this summer prior to the World Swimming Championships in Rome, before returning in 2012 to prepare for the London Olympic Games and again in 2014, ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

The team will utilise both 50-metre pools at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, a purpose built, state-of-the-art venue which regularly hosts world class swimming events and is home to the successful regional British Paralympic swimming team.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council said: "We're absolutely delighted that a swimming team of Australia's calibre has chosen Manchester as its training base for these world events. It is testament to the sports facilities and infrastructure that Manchester has available for elite athletes such as Swimming Australia that they have opted to train here for their next three international competitions. We look forward to welcoming them to the city and wish them every success now and in the future."

Swimming Australia is one of the world's best swimming teams and is frequently placed in the top two, along with the USA. Their incredible performance at the Beijing Olympics 2008 saw almost 50% of the country's gold medals won in the swimming pool, with the team also picking up six silver and eight bronze medals."

Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust provide a wide range of swimming activities for Manchester residents and for the general public.

For more details including swimming pool timetables, please visit swimming pools, swimming lessons and free swimming or call the Trust today on 0161 220 3800 or contact us by email.

Click here for more information on the Manchester Aquatics Centre