Lightning Ridge is hosting the 2012 NSW Country Diving Championships and welcomes competitors from all areas including Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, North Coast, Albury, Canberra, Sydney and Queensland.
There are 57 divers competing, with 18 Lightning Ridge divers competing for the very first time.
The championships commence this Saturday with an Opening Ceremony at 10am. Competition starts at 10.30am and continues through to 5pm. On Sunday competition begins at 9am and finishes about 3pm.
Diving NSW president Eric Brooker said there were a number of firs- time competitors from the NSW region, as well as some experienced divers from Sydney and across NSW competing in the 1m, 3m, platform and synchronised diving events.
“The Lightning Ridge Diving Centre is magnificent - a replica of Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre - quite amazing,” he said. “This state-of-the-art facility will certainly bring about some good quality diving.”
He said the whole town has been tremendously supportive of the Lightning Ridge Diving Club and its participants.
“The community spirit in Lightning Ridge is very special and must be noted. The support the club has received and the hospitality extended to Diving NSW has been awesome,” Mr Brooker said.
“Many competitors from across the state and Queensland, and their families have never been to Lightning Ridge and it is anticipated that most of them will take the opportunity to do some sightseeing and relax in the town’s wonderful friendly atmosphere.
“Their visit to Lightning Ridge will no doubt be enjoyable and memorable as will the 2012 Country Diving Championships.”
Diving NSW thanked the many sponsors from Lightning Ridge, including the major sponsors Walgett Shire Council and Lightning Ridge Bowling Club for supporting the event. Medallists will receive some prize money donated by the sponsors to help offset travel and accommodation costs.
Spectators are most welcome to come along and watch the efforts of the young and up-and-coming champions.
Thanks to NSW Communities Sport and Recreation funding, Diving NSW was able to assist the Lightning Ridge Diving Club get started and make use of the terrific facility.
The club has many volunteers, four coaches and more than 30 beginners.
The talented coaches at Lightning Ridge, with the assistance of Diving NSW state coaching director Allen Bull were able to teach some of the local divers many dives in a short space of time enabling them to compete at the championships.
Diving NSW will further assist the club by conducting workshops for coaches, officials and volunteers during the course of the championships.
Editor’s note: Lightning Ridge, pay $4 entry to the Diving Centre this Saturday and Sunday to see some amazing entertainment.
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