Events: Swimming completed at Masters Games

Andrew Moffat 

Masters competition splashed down in style when the TET Taranaki Masters Games swimming came to Stratford.

The Swimming Taranaki event, hosted by Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre on Friday 5 April, let swimmers test themselves across many disciplines - from the splash and dash of 25m events through to the more measured 500m freestyle pace.

Swimming had the youngest qualification age in the Games this year, set at 20+, but many racers proved on the night that the low impact sport can be enjoyed at any age.

89-year-old Taranaki swimming stalwart Ron Edgcombe (pictured) was chief among them, competing in both freestyle and backstroke continuing an impressive swimming career.

Over the years Ron has been a fixture at Masters events in Taranaki and nationally – and was a popular finisher, receiving big rounds of applause at the end of his races.

Many of the competitors benefitted from the energetic crowd support created a festival atmosphere pool-side and clearly were enjoying the first Masters event at Stratford’s new aquatic venue.

Rennie Naicker, Aquatic Services Team Leader at Wai o Rua, said he was excited about the Games coming to the pool.

“We’re big on encouraging fitness and fun at every age. Some people haven’t swum competitively since their last school swimming sports, and for many in the Masters category, that may have been a while ago. Taking part in the Taranaki Masters Games is a great way to push yourself and experience competition again in a fun and social environment,” he said.