FIJI Swimming is all set to host the 2012 Fiji National Age Group Swimming Championship at the Damodar Aquatic Centre from tomorrow.
The championship is a culmination of three grand prix competitions contested by about 300 swimmers of all ages.
Swimmers had to meet specific times set by Fiji Swimming (FS) in order to qualify for the meet.
In a statement, FS president Glynis Miller said setting the qualifying time for swimmers raises the bar and enables them to 'meet the challenge'.
"The national championship is our premier event especially this is the last opportunity for swimmers to qualify for selection for the Oceania Championship to be held in Noumea later this month," Miller said.
The statement said swimmers would compete in 161 events over four days.
"The first event to be held on Friday afternoon is the 1500m which will be contested in the girls category by Syliva Nasario (Race Club), Matalita Buadromo (Tritons Club) and Susau Elaisa (Tritons Club)," said the statement. The current record is held by Matalita Buadromo (Tritons Club) with a time of 20mins 18:71seconds set in August 2010.
"In the same event for boys, it will be an all-out Tritons affair with all seven competitors racing against each other to better their time.
"The current record holder in the boys 1500m is Paul Elaisa (Tritons) with a time of 17mins 54:26 seconds set in August 2010."
Miller thanked Connect and Telecom Fiji Ltd for sponsoring the championship.
Competition continues on Saturday morning from 9am.
The first event will be the girls 12 under 400m freestyle in two heats followed by finals in the afternoon. Medals will be awarded to the top three swimmers in each category.