Invercargill’s Splash Palace welcomed more than 200 young swimmers and supporters from around the South Island last weekend, marking the city’s first time hosting a major regional swimming competition in seven years.

For the first time since 2019, the Mako Division of Swimming New Zealand’s Junior Festival was held at Splash Palace, with competitors travelling from across the South Island to participate in the three-day event.

Invercargill City Council Manager Aquatic Services Stephen Cook said it was a huge event for the swimming community in Invercargill and Southland.

“Having the Junior Festival at Splash Palace gives local children the chance to compete on the regional stage without having to travel far from home,” he said.

“For many of our local kids, this was the first time they were able to compete in such a major event in their home venue.”

Swimming Southland Regional Administrator Angela Biggar said a total of 200 young swimmers entered the competition, with more than 150 coming from outside the Southland region.

“It’s not just the swimmers visiting our city, but their parents, coaches and supporters as well,” she said.

“The event was a chance for local swimmers to go up against some of the best athletes in their age in the South Island and test themselves in a high-performance environment.” Cook said the event was also a chance to showcase Splash Palace to the wider region.

“Our facility is right up there with anywhere else in the country,” he said. “We’re proud to provide a quality environment where young athletes can compete, have fun and strive for their personal best.”

Swimming New Zealand’s Junior Festivals were hosted in four zonal locations around the country between 27 February and 1 March.

More than 40 swimmers from Southland participated in the event, representing the Central Southland, Collegiate, Johnston Waters, Murihiku and Waverley Clubs.