2023 MSQ State Championships Summary
A big week has just concluded after the MSQ State LC and OWS Championships in Mackay. Thanks to all for attending and for working together to host an enjoyable and successful event.
Any North or Central Queenslander (indeed most Queenslanders) knows that March & April can be prone to poor weather, even potentially a cyclone. So it was with much consideration selecting event dates to host the championships. As the event drew near the long-range forecast became medium, and then short term. Tension eased and we had mostly great weather if not a little hot for our southern masters’ visitors and while the storms threatened, they held off other than to drench the Meet Director and Dinner guests at the Shamrock on the Friday night.
Thirty-seven clubs including 4 from outside Queensland had a total of 200 swimmers attending the first full State Championships in Mackay. Only the 3 local Mackay clubs enjoyed home pool advantage and meant that our remaining swimmers, partners and officials travelled to Mackay to enjoy the competition and the region.
Karen May the deputy mayor for Mackay Regional Council provided her time to officially open the Championships on day 1 before a full day of swimming commenced. The first event commenced with the 50m breaststroke and that tested a number of timekeepers on their first outing. The 100m freestyle followed and shortly after the rhythm of the championships settled into a slightly more relaxed mood.
Community groups attended at various stages of the pool events and included representatives from Mackay & Isacc Region information, Neighborhood Watch, Bowel & Breast screening, Tackling Regional Adversity through Connected Communities (TRACC), Multiple Sclerosis Qld and Better breathing sport device.
A great selection of events across the spectrum provided for a terrific choice for all swimmers to consider.
Day 1 dawned perfect and provided ten events including two relays ensuring a great card to commence the event. The 4 x 200m freestyle relay was appreciated with a number of teams vying for the additional closest to nominated time cash prize. Events provided a great selection from 50-1500m.
Day 2 had twelve events including the ever-popular relays in 3 of the events and a further spread of 50-1500m distances. The afternoon causing some concern with threatening storms that meandered North and South of the complex before settling into a drenching rain after the MSQ AGM held after events. The Shamrock hotel was the venue chosen to host the event dinner and proved a great success with almost 70 booked into the event and some extras nearby ensuring a great base for reviewing the days performances.
Day 3 presented 11 events from 100-1500m including 2 relays before swimmers enjoyed a BBQ supplied by the local Pioneer Swimming Club. Our MC kept swimmers informed while results were tabulated into a final document with awards getting underway to an appreciative audience. Two local trophies were also part of the awards with the Jenny Mack trophy and Margaret Cunningham award presented to swimmers.
Day 4 dawned with an early start for Sinker’s members with a setup of the Open water swim (OWS) with some 60 registered swimmers between the 1500 & 3000m choices. The club utilised the timing services of the Mackay Triathlon Club and despite a few misreads lead to a smoother event that will now be the format for our regular November OWS. A BBQ was also provided by the Cyclones swimming club that offered a delicious breakfast burger. Medals were awarded and swimmers departed as the pack down commenced, not long after a post-race lunch was held at the Boomerang hotel. We were treated to a great lunch and surprise slide show on the big screen provided by Les, our excellent event photographer.
The Sinkers would like to thank supporting clubs and businesses for their provision of resources and services during the 4 days of the event. We would like to thank Neighbourhood Watch Mackay, Pioneer Swimming Club, Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club Inc., Msa – Mackayswimmingacademy, Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre, Mackay Triathlon Club, Mackay Canoe Club, Mackay rowing club for offering support, shading and volunteers for the event.
I do hope you enjoyed the championships hosted by the North Mackay Sinkers and delivered by MSQ through its officials, volunteers and supporting staff. A big thank you to all involved.
Dan Stampa
QNS President and VP Central
2023 MSQ State LC Championships Results:
2023 MSQ State Championships – Full Results
2023 MSQ State Championships – Record Breakers
2023 MSQ State Championships Meet Awards
2023 MSQ State Championships OWS Results:
2023 MSQ OWS Age Group Results
More photos:
