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The 2008 Mel Zajac Jr. International Swim Meet received $5,000 from HostingBC. Held at the UBC Aquatic Centre, the event attracted 408 athletes, aged 13-29, who came from the US, Australia and eight Canadian provinces. There were 1,200 spectators and 150 volunteers supported the event.
The event served as preparation for the Canadian swim team's participation at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Also, more than 100 local swimmers attended a free swim clinic to learn with Canada's best. Direct economic and tourism benefits included 1,200 hotel room nights booked, increased revenue for local hospitality businesses and participatns staying in Vancouver post-event to visit tourist attractions. Sustainable community legacies include repair and upgrades to the UBC Aquatic Centre timing system, now available to other swim clubs.
