BAY OF ISLANDS AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB

George from Kerikeri District

On the 17, 18 and 19 of January 2020, eighteen young swimmers aged from 7 to 16, with their parents and supporters, represented the Bay of Islands Amateur Swimming Club at the 2020 Northland Age Group Championships hosted by the Dargaville Swimming Club.

This was held at the excellent facilities in Dargaville, Kauri Coast Community Pool. The event was professionally organised and run by a dedicated group of volunteers representing Northland Swimming who ran the 3 days event.

The Bay of Islands Swimming Club had a very enjoyable stay at the Dargaville Holiday Park where everyone became one large family. Truly one fantastic experience and are all now looking forward to the event again in 2021. This was made possible by grants from Oxford Trust and Racing Industry Transition Agency.

Highlight of the weekend were:

9 years and under Relay Team for taking the gold medal.
Three very impressive personal best times and our swimming team of eighteen for the twenty two medals won over the weekend. For a full report go to The Bay of Islands Swimming Cub Facebook page.
Elijah Welling 7 years of age and stands knee high to a grasshopper, with a heart as big as an elephant swam against 8 and 9 year olds and won a gold medal in the 9 and under back stroke, a true champion in the making.

Lucas Bayer and Dayna Hawke both carrying injuries and having had restricted training over the last six weeks did their club proud by each winning a medal in their finals.

If there was a sportsmanship award then it would have to go to 9 year old Imogen Ray, who before the 9 and under relay shook her competitors by the hand. Well done Imogen

Finally, to the coach Alex Bennett well done for your guidance, advice, encouragement and support to the team over the weekend.


The Bay of Islands Swimming Club home based at Te Papawai Community pool in Kawakawa. We currently have 55 young swimmers aged from 7 to 16 years of age. We also run a Learn to Swim programme.

Our professional head coach Alex Bennett would like to see more children join the learn to swim programme and progress through to competitive swimming. If interested please email: boiswimmingclub@gnmail.com.

On February 8th the club will be holding a fundraising sausage sizzle at the Warehouse in Waipapa to raise funds to assist with accommodation costs our qualifying swimmers to compete at 2020 Junior Festival in Auckland for ages 12 and under. Please come along and support us. Many thanks to Churchills Meats for their support.

Thanks also to all our sponsors and may you have a prosperous year.

George Hawke
PR Officer