Tasmania’s 24-strong team bound for the School Sport Australia swimming championships in Darwin this week are in for an unforgettable experience.
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Team manager Anne-Marie Best, of Launceston-based South Esk Swimming Club, said it was an exciting opportunity for the athletes on the team, particularly those who were representing their state for the first time.
The games are due to start at the outdoor Casuarina pool in Darwin with an opening ceremony on Thursday.
About 750 swimmers from throughout Australia take part in a 247-event program over the following six days.
Best and coach Reo Lazaro, from the Hobart Aquatic Club, are reprising the roles they filled at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide last November.
“We are looking forward to it and it will be an awesome experience,” Best said.
“The pool is in the open and will be subject to the elements and humidity. It will be quite different for the swimmers.
“They all have a number of individual events and team relays.”
Benefits to the athletes include competing against some of best young swimmers in Australia, team spirit and the opportunity to learn more about their country as they explore a new city.
Nicholas Plats, 16, of Burnie and Isabele Rush, 16, of South Esk, are the captains.
Also on the team are: Aleigha Gumley, 13, Riverside; Amelia Donaldson, 12, South Esk; Amy Muldoon, 12, Launceston Aquatic; Brenna Lemon, 12, Hobart Aquatic; Ellie Muller, 13 (LAC); Georgia Curran, 12 (South Esk); Jade Nichols, 13 (LAC); Leah Renton, 14 (South Esk); Margaret (Greta) Brown, 13 (South Esk); Matilda Smith, 12, Sandy Bay; Myra Donnelly, 14 (RAC); Sophie Henderson, 15 (BASC); Tessa Yu, 14, HC Swim Club; Zali Munday, 12 (BASC); Ethann Best, 17 (South Esk); Fraser Sutton, 16 (South Esk); Harry Reid, 12 (South Esk); Henry Shepherd, 15 (South Esk); Hugh Dolle, 12 (South Esk); Lachlan Hutton, 11 (HA); Malachi Wallis, 12 (South Esk); and William Gray, 12 (LAC).