EU Swimming Invitational Completes Fourth Year

AARSCHAT, Belgium, November 12. ON the 17th and 18th of October, 2009, over 460 swimmers from 9 countries met at the Municipal Swimming Pool in Aarschot, Belgium for the 2009 edition of the EU Swimming Invitational. The EU Swimming Invitational has just celebrated its fourth year as a competition. Each year has been a unique experience- a different country, a different host club, different levels of swimmers. This year, however, marked a turning point for the event. For the first time ever, the main objectives of the EU Swimming Invitational began to come alive.

The highest level of competition – Belgian and other national records, meet records, Olympians and national champions – was for the first time joined with the budding talent of swimmers as young as eight years. While the up-and-comers were motivated and proud to swim with the best of the best, the top swimmers also had a rare opportunity to encourage and support their younger aspiring teammates at a truly international event.

The blend of ages, levels, and countries present at the event also helped create an atmosphere sparkling with competition, enthusiasm and friendship at a level never seen before. Thirty-six clubs represented Belgium, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and the United States. The traditional parade of countries, capped by a speech from the mayor of Aarschot, saw an outpouring of swimmers, coaches and supporters waving flags and banners, singing, and representing their countries. The international aspect of the competition motivated all swimmers to swim their fastest, particularly during relays, resulting in many fantastic races. New friendships were formed as team caps and T-shirts were exchanged between the swimmers over the weekend. And to top it all off – the unforgettable farewell party after Sunday finals, a perfect ending to an adventurous weekend.

Results, photos and videos can be found on the competition website: www.euswim.org

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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