OTTAWA – The 2009 edition of the Speedo Eastern Canadian Championships, scheduled on February 18-21 of 2010, will relocate from Gatineau to Ottawa.

Officials from the city of Gatineau informed Swimming Canada that the new Sports complex will not be ready in time to host the event in less than 3 months due to construction delays. The new facilities were initially set for completion in August of 2009.

“The situation is unfortunate but we are working closely with host club Phénix de Gatineau and regional clubs to keep the meet in the Ottawa-Outaouais region,” said Pierre Lafontaine, CEO and National Coach for Swimming Canada.

“The City of Gatineau has been tremendous in helping us relocate this competition and is committed to providing assistance in making this change as seamless as possible. Our objective is to bring together the regional clubs and work in creating a great competitive environment for these championships,” added Lafontaine.

The 3 and a half day swimming competition attracting over 700 swimmers within the eastern part of Canada will be relocated to the Nepean Sports complex in Ottawa.

“We recognize all the great work done by the host club Phénix and the added involvement from Ottawa based clubs will make this event even more spectacular for our athletes.”

The Speedo Eastern Championships brings together a great mix of Canada’s senior, youth & junior swimmers. This competition is held annually in February in various cities throughout Eastern Canada and is held on the same weekend as the Speedo Western Championships. This short course competition serves as an excellent racing and development opportunity for Youth and Junior competitors.

More details on logistics and accommodations will be published shortly on the Swimming Canada website.

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Media Contact:
Martin Richard    
Director of Communications
Swimming Canada
Tel. 613-260-1348
Cel. 613-725-4339
Email. mrichard@swimming.ca