Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex to Host Nation’s Largest Youth Swimming Championship
City of Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Venice of America
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Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex to Host Nation’s Largest Youth Swimming Championship

YMCA Short Course Swimming & Diving Competition Begins April 6

Shannon Vezina, Public Information Specialist
City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Office
(954) 828-4743 / svezina@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale will host the YMCA National Short Course Swimming and Diving Championships Monday, April 6 through Thursday, April 9 at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, located at 501 Seabreeze Boulevard.

With more than 200 teams competing for titles in 42 events, this event is traditionally the largest youth swimming national championship in the United States. More than 1,700 athletes aged 12 to 18 plan to compete. This year marks the 31st year the City of Fort Lauderdale has hosted the prestigious Y-Nationals (1971, 1973-‘85, 1992-‘95, 1997-2009.)

Competition starts Monday, April 6 with swimming at 9:00 a.m., followed by finals at 6:00 p.m. Diving is contested at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7. Residents are welcome to attend the team practice, which will be open to the public spectators on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.

The Y-Nationals unique Opening Ceremony will take place Monday, April 6 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will feature a parade of athletes, the YMCA flag presentation and devotionals. Athletes wear original costumes (rather than customary team uniforms) as they march to the “YMCA” beat. The costume theme this year is old time western.

Participants are primarily from the Midwest and Eastern states, but hail from as far away as California and Idaho. The amateur sporting event’s 3,500 spectators are expected to contribute approximately $3.5 million to the local economy. YMCA team from Sarasota, Orlando and Daytona Beach typically participate in the competition.

Event tickets are $45 for all sessions (8), $12 for prelims and finals, or $7 per session. Children under 11 years of age are $3 per session. Parking is available at the Birch/Las Olas lot and surrounding city lots along the beach. For more information call (954) 828-4580.

For complete event information and results, go to www.fortlauderdale.gov/flac or www.ymcaswimminganddiving.org.