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Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series |
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21st January 2008 RECORD FIELD FOR SOVEREIGN CAPITAL CLASSIC OCEAN SWIM The Capital Classic, race two in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series takes place this Saturday January 26 with a record field already confirmed almost a week out from race day. Year two of the nationwide open water swim series has seen a surge in interest with the Sovereign Harbour Crossing (Auckland) event attracting a record field of 1300 swimmers in November and while Wellington won't match that figure, the increase for the second ever Capital Classic suggests it might not take long. "Numbers for the Capital Classic are already well in advance of our total entry list for last year and we have the best part of a week left before the starting gun is fired," said Event Director Scott Rice. "We have 700 confirmed entries already and we are likely to reach 800 before Saturday. The vast majority of the entry list is made up of everyday Kiwis who have made a decision to get off the couch, take up the challenge and swim in the beautiful surroundings of Oriental Bay; it will be a great day to showcase the city and the harbour." Aussie Invasion – world class swimmers set to challenge KiwisWhile the vast majority are indeed everyday Kiwis each with their own objectives and goals for the day, the entry list is headed by a world class collection of elite open water and pool swimmers with an Aussie invasion threatening the leading New Zealanders in both men's and women's races. Richard Allen, Sponsorship Manager for Sovereign said the move to include a hint of Trans-Tasman rivalry was a natural evolution for the series. "The arrival of the Australians will add some real spice to what is already a world class event," said Allen. "As with so many sports the Australians produce world class athletes and in both men's and women's open water swimming they possess top ten competitors. Their participation in the Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series announces its arrival on the world scene." Ky Hurst and Kate Brookes-Peterson lead the charge with Hurst ranked top ten in the world over the 5km distance and the 2007 Australian champion over 5 and 10km. Brookes-Peterson is also a double Australian champion in 2007 and a double bronze medalist from the FINA World Championships. Also joining them for the Capital Classic is David Browne, one of a new breed of Australian open water swimmers. Browne is already familiar with the New Zealand series, having ambushed the field to win the 2007 King of the Bays when he arrived without fanfare to surprise the field with a start to finish victory. The Australians don’t have total claim on Brookes-Peterson though, the 24 year old was born in New Zealand and competed here throughout her junior career before heading across the Tasman. Defending the pride and reputation of New Zealand will be left to the likes of Olympic medley swimmer Dean Kent, Commonwealth Games rep Andy McMillan, Beijing bound triathlete Samantha Warriner and NZ 1500m champion Bryn Murphy. Another interesting story is that of Brenda Cockcroft, not the least because she works for the event sponsor Sovereign. The Senior Customer Services Consultant started swimming competitively at age 5 in her homeland of Zimbabwe and went on to represent her country for 11 years, mainly in the 800m freestyle. Prior to being lured back to the sport through the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series Cockcroft had not swum since the All African Games in 1999. She is now back swimming 4 or 5 times a week and while she trains on her own is enjoying the sport once again, thanks to ocean swimming. Her ninth place finish at the Harbour Crossing in November suggests the competitive edge is not too far away despite six years out of the sport. Mayor Prendergast Sets Great Example – human interest stories aboundThe event also attracts a number of celebrity swimmers, all stepping well outside their traditional comfort zones. Leading the way and setting a great example for her city is Mayor Kerry Prendergast. The human interest stories in the event are endless with young and old, novice and experienced, family and friends coming together to take on the challenge of an ocean swim. One of those stories is that of Nic Russell. Nic was a public face of the Herceptin debate two years ago when she fought a high profile battle for all New Zealanders to gain access to this life saving drug while fighting breast cancer. During that time Nic’s daughter MacKenzie was also fighting her own battle against bone cancer, one she would lose in late 2005 when she tragically passed away. MacKenzie is remembered by Nic not as a sufferer but as a brave little girl who made the most of every day, facing setbacks and issues on a daily basis with a smile. Nic has continued her own fight with cancer and has also put in the place the beginnings of a charitable organization ‘Kenzies Gift’ to assist families affected by cancer in any way. Nic is looking to help her own healing process and also promote Kenzies Gift by participating in the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series. Nic missed racing at the Sovereign Harbour Crossing due to a broken elbow but has recovered and is ready to take on the Capital Classic this weekend. Kids Included – Sovereign Splash and DashAs with all events in the series (except the Harbour Crossing), the day will start with the Sovereign Splash and Dash, an event for children aged 8 to 11 that combines training and education with the elite swimmers and a 200m race of their own. Adding to the excitement this year though is the prize of an expenses paid trip to Auckland for a once in a lifetime training session with Dean Kent and Helen Norfolk for the first boy and girl across the finish line. Richard Allen says there is more to this than encouraging children to swim fast. "As New Zealand's leading life insurer Sovereign is concerned with the overall health and fitness of all New Zealanders and takes a hands on role in helping to educate everyone as to the benefits of an active lifestyle. We are also shocked and saddened at the unacceptable rate of drowning in this country, one that has us amongst the very worst in the Western world. "The Sovereign Splash and Dash encourages children to improve their skills in the water, specifically in our oceans and lakes. The children will be taught and inspired by some of the very best swimmers in New Zealand, including Olympic Games athletes Dean Kent and Helen Norfolk." Further information will be released this week regarding media opportunities with the visiting Australian swimmers and Mayor Kerry Prendergast. For contact information on any of the named athletes and celebrities, please contact Andrew Dewhurst on the numbers provided.
Capital Classic
Round two of the Sovereign NZ Ocean Swim SeriesSaturday 26th JanuaryOriental ParadeWellington For further information contact: Scott RiceEvent DirectorSovereign NZ Ocean Swim Series0274 775 796 Richard AllenSponsorship ManagerSovereign P 09 4879173M 021 674637 Andrew DewhurstMedia ManagerSovereign Splash and Dash 2008M 021 535 501 for further information visit www.oceanswim.co.nz
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