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The 2008 Canadian CAN-AM Open Swimming Championships for Swimmers with a Disability received $10,000 from HostingBC. One of the two major meets for swimmers with a disability, the event drew 129 athletes, aged 11-51, who came from eight countries including Malaysia, Venezuela, and Mexico, as well as from eight Canadian provinces. There were 200 spectators and 150 volunteers supported the event.
The event allowed local athletes to witness and be inspired by top level competition by athletes with a disability and for local clubs to recruit future members. Direct economic and tourism benefits included increased revenue for the local hospitality industry and goods and services suppliers. Officials and volunteers upgraded their skills with respect to elite swimmers with a disability to form an experienced resource pool for future events. Revenue from the event will contribute to improvements to the facility.
