Jetstar Backs NZ Youngsters in National Swim Camp

24 April 2018

Jetstar Backs NZ Youngsters in National Swim Camp

A group of budding young Kiwi swim stars will come together this weekend for a three-day camp where they’ll hone their swimming skills under the watchful gaze of New Zealand swimming elites.

The coveted Jetstar Super Swim Squad brings together 36 youngsters from around New Zealand for the annual camp. The swimmers qualified for a place in the squad by winning their age group in the 200m OceanKids event at one of six qualifying events in the Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series.

The youngsters will be mentored by a stellar coaching line up headlined by three-time Olympian Dean Kent. Dean will be supported by Olympic swimmer/canoeist Steven Ferguson, Commonwealth Games swimmers Laura Quilter and Ellen Quirke, and respected surf lifesaving swim coach Jack Gavin.

Lauren Boyle will also be making an appearance at the camp as a guest coach. Lauren retired in 2017 as New Zealand’s most successful female swimmer. She secured 14 international medals during her career including five world championship medals and the 2014 Commonwealth Games 400m freestyle crown.

The aim of the camp is to back New Zealand’s future swim stars by offering expert tuition to develop their technical skills and help them to build confidence by providing an opportunity to meet and talk with a range of high-performance athletes.

This will be the sixth season that the Jetstar Super Swim Squad has supported New Zealand’s young swimming talent and their families at the national swim camp.

Scott Rice, Banana Boat New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, Event Director, says the promising young swim stars that come through the camp always leave with big smiles on their faces and feeling motivated about their future swimming careers.

“It’s inspiring to see the next generation excited about the sport and it continuously leaves me in no doubt that New Zealand’s swimming future is in good hands.”

Head of Jetstar New Zealand, Daniel Banens, says the Jetstar Super Swim Squad was created with the aim of nurturing young swimming talent.

“The squad provides these young swimmers with a true once in a lifetime experience. They train alongside their swimming role models and learn from their peers. We’re very proud to have supported the camp over the past six years.”

In the spirit of a true camp experience, the camp will be held at Shakespear Lodge, located at Shakespear Regional Park, Whangaparaoa, one of Auckland’s finest regional parks. The youngsters will have access to swim training in both a pool and ocean environment.

For more information about the Jetstar Super Swim Squad, visit https://oceanswim.co.nz/ocean-kids/

-Ends-

© Scoop Media