Making waves in Christchurch

Christchurch is looking forward to a tourism bonanza with about 4000 athletes expected to take part in the 9th World Masters Swimming Championships in March 2002.

Interest in the event has already exceeded preliminary expectations with huge financial spinoffs for the city and New Zealand.

Organising committee chairman Neil Blanchfield has just returned from the 8th world championships in Germany where more than 7000 swimmers competed.

"Originally we budgeted on 3000 athletes coming, but the level of interest we received when in Germany has caused us to lift our estimates.

"We will be aggressively marketing this event and Canterbury over the next 18 months."

The championships are for swimmers aged over 25.