- Entries open for BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series Open Water Swim
- $100,000 in prize money
- Five distances and five age-group categories
Elite and recreational swimmers are encouraged to enter Australia's richest open water swim event to be held in the Swan River on Sunday January 20, 2013 as part of the new BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series.
Launching the open water component today, Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said the elite and mass participation event would cater for swimmers of all capabilities.
"There'll be races over 10km, 5km, 2.5km, 1.25km and 500m in five different age group categories for males and females so everyone can get involved," Mr Waldron said.
"And with $100,000 in prize money on offer we expect many of the world's best distance swimmers to come to Perth to compete.
"With the CBD as the backdrop to the course, it should be a spectacular event."
The State Government is very proud to sponsor this multi-faceted event through Eventscorp and Royalties for Regions.
Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the unique BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series would also include an elite pool competition and international water polo.
"Some of the world's best swimmers will be competing outdoors at Challenge Stadium when the Australian, Chinese and South African national swim teams vie for a rich prize pool. The water polo will feature reigning Olympic men's champions Croatia going head to head with our Australian national team, as well as the Australian and Chinese women's teams," Dr Hames said.
"There's also an extensive Regional Community Engagement Program, funded by Royalties for Regions, which involves some of Australia's best coaches, swimmers and water polo players, past and present, participating in a number of events and activities in regional WA.
"We expect the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series to grow over the coming years and become an annual feature on the international sporting calendar."
Fact File
Sport and Recreation Minister's office - 6552 6100
Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5300
