Swimming Canada is pleased to announce the 2016 Speedo Can Am Para-swimming Championships have been awarded to the Ville de Gatineau and the Club Aquatique Gatineau. The competition will be hosted in the Centre sportif de Gatineau, in Gatineau, Que.
The competition, to be held July 15-17, 2016, is expected to attract approximately 150 swimmers from eight countries and nine Canadian provinces. It also will serve as a springboard for Canada’s Para-swimming team as it prepares for the Paralympics Games in Rio de Janerio.
“Swimming Canada is excited to be renewing our partnership with the City of Gatineau and the Club Aquatic Gatineau for the hosting of this event. In 2012 the city and club proved to be excellent hosts,” said James Hood, Swimming Canada’s Senior Manager High Performance Para-swimming Programs.
The competition will play host to the Canadian Paralympic Swim Team and the US Paralympic Swim Team, as both countries prepare to battle the world in Rio.
Craig McCord, National Para-swimming Coach, is thrilled to be returning to the Centre sportif de Gatineau facility. The 2011 Parapan Trials, the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championship staging camp and the 2015 Parapan final preparation were all held at the Centre sportif de Gatineau.
The 2016 Speedo Can Am Para-swimming Championships will strengthen the Canada’s Para-swimmers in the final weeks before the Paralympics, said McCord.
“Gatineau has become a bit of a second home for the Canadian Para-swimmers,” he said. “We look forward to competing in Gatineau in the preparation for Rio.
“This final competition is a crucial part of our preparation for Rio 2016. These racing opportunities will assist our athletes in their drive for the podium.”
Mireille Apollon, Gatineau’s deputy mayor, said Swimming Canada has joined a long list of sport’s organizations who have come to appreciate what Gatineau has to offer.
“It is with tremendous pride that Gatineau will be hosting the CAN-AM Para-swimming Championships in 2016,” said Apollon. “Gatineau is increasingly becoming the destination of choice for major events, and the site for more and more provincial, national and international sports competitions.
“I would like to thank the Swimming Canada team which, in choosing our city to welcome these Championships next year, is renewing its trust in our facilities, namely our sports centre, our organizational skills and the warmth of our reception.”
Swimming news courtesy of Swimming Canada.
