News

HB-PB champs a success - Bull
Tue, Jan 20th, 2009

By John Hill

HAWKE'S Bay-Poverty Bay Summer Swimming Championship race director Guy Bull had every reason to be smiling from ear to ear at the end of yet another successful meeting at the Olympic Pool last night.

"I can't say this one was any better than others we've had, they're all great events," said Bull, who has been race director for the past 10 years.

"You only have to listen to the atmosphere, especially on the last night. Where else would you get noise and support like this? It's competitive but there's no nastiness. It's all in the right spirit.

"There's always going to be some problems but we have rules set in place and as long as we stick to them no real problem.

"Having Jimmy (Aupouri)) on the microphone and the music pumping also creates a fantastic atmosphere. It's been building up since we started on Thursday evening with our first two sessions and even though we're coming to the end, the noise and energy levels are still way up there."

Swimming champs were not easy to run.

"With so many sessions to get through it's a gruelling five days but we're lucky that the people involved in swimming are great, totally supportive and willing to go the extra mile.

"There's just no way you could run an event of this size - 300 competitors coaches and supporters to accommodate and feed - without a fantastic backroom team. In the kitchen, those on the computers and those working the timing systems, it's just one big effort from everyone and they all deserve credit.

"One of the things that is particularly pleasing is the way the local clubs, (Comet and Enterprise) have come together to support each other.

"Obviously we all support our own club first but when it comes to the inter-district competition Gisborne combines and we have it over the other two - Napier and Hastings."

Although the Laser club from Auckland's Mount Eden were ineligible for points at the champs, Bull said they enjoyed their time in Gisborne.

"They certainly added to the occasion and have already said they would love to come back.

"They couldn't get over the weather and the friendliness of the people here. But then we already know that. Gisborne has always been known for the way people welcome outsiders."

Story by The Gisborne Herald

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