Winnipeg : With a focus on the needs of all Masters swimmers, Winnipeg will host the Canadian Masters Swimming Championship at the Pan Am Pool, site of the 1999 Pan American Games.

And in that unique, inclusive way of Master’s swimming, athletes from Brazil and Ukraine have already entered and the organizing committee has received inquiries from swimmers in the U.S., including Hawaii, says meet co-chair Paul Boulding.

The deadline to register is April 23.

It’s the third time Winnipeg has stepped up to host the meet, having held the championship in the 1980s and 90s. This time Masters Swimming Manitoba, Manitoba Masters Aquatic Club, Manta Swim Club and Manitoba Marlins Swim Club are sharing hosting duties.

The organizing committee has learned to focus its efforts on making everything they do for the championship about the needs of the swimmers, says Boulding.

All swimmers will receive a plaque to remember the national championship. There is a spot on the plaque for any medals that may be won. “If you’re the type of swimmer who never places, this is more of an opportunity to recognize that everyone is a champion just by coming.”

Part of the focus on the swimmer includes all presentations being made at the pool instead of at the banquet, “so more swimmers will hear about the great things the swimmers have done.”

WestJet has come onboard as a major sponsor and will discount airfare by a rate lower than that posted on their website. Swimmers visit the WestJet website, select the flights and call the number on the Winnipeg website at www.cmsc2007.ca. WestJet will then discount the airfare for the meet, Boulding says.

As well, there is a two-tier entry system: $90 allows for unlimited events while a $35 fee lets a swimmer enter two events.

“It’s designed for the novice swimmer who would probably like to try but doesn’t want to go in seven or 10 events. We’re hoping the flexibility will increase our (number of) swimmers,” Boulding says.

Winnipeg is allowing swimmers to enter as many events as they want. “Let’s give them the maximum opportunity for swimming that we can,” he says.

Unlimited events is a “big positive” but Boulding cautions swimmers that they must only enter the events they plan to race so there are not too many scratches throughout the meet, he says. “If people abuse that, then it will never be used again.”

For more details, visit: www.cmsc2007.ca