The Western Australian Swimming Association Inc. (Swimming WA) is delighted to announce a new commercial arrangement with Yara Pilbara and the City of Karratha that will expand the Swimming WA Open Water Swimming (OWS) Series into the Pilbara for the next three (3) years. The Swimming WA OWS Series is the largest of its kind in the country, currently involving 12 Rounds including four (4) Regional Rounds with Karratha being added to the existing Rounds staged in Bunbury, Busselton and Harvey Dam.
In May 2019, Swimming WA worked with a local organising committee in Karratha to stage a trial open water swim at Hearson’s Cove near Karratha. That trial attracted over 100 locals in a community event that has generated considerable interest in the Pilbara and beyond. Since then, Swimming WA has worked very closely with both Yara Pilbara and the City of Karratha to develop a partnership that will bring the OWS Series to the picturesque Burrup Peninsula from May 2020!
The Yara Burrup Classic, proudly presented by Yara Pilbara and the City of Karratha, is an open water swim for
people of all ages and all swimming abilities. With the profile and professionalism of the OWS Series, the goal is to attract people from across Australia to Karratha to participate in this unique swim. The City of Karratha has launched an integrated place branding campaign entitled “Karratha is Calling” designed to showcase the many tourism, lifestyle and business opportunities available within the City of Karratha and this Round will form part of that campaign.
Representing the City of Karratha, Mayor Peter Long was delighted with the development:
“Council was pleased to endorse a three-year $60,000 partnership with Swimming WA to host the Yara Burrup Classic at Hearson’s Cove from 2020 to 2022. The City is proud to support the only Open Water Swimming Series event held north of Perth, which will help to strengthen the City of Karratha’s profile as the regional capital of the North West,” Councilor Long said.
“Supporting this long-running event aligns with the Council’s Strategic Community Plan to provide access to fitness and wellbeing programs and support local businesses. It also aligns with the Council’s Destination Management Plan objective to attract major sporting events to the City of Karratha.
"The economic benefit of 400 participants coming to Karratha to take part in the Yara Burrup Classic is anticipated to inject up to $28,000 per year into the local economy."
Swimming WA’s other major partner in this exciting new initiative is Yara Pilbara who supported the trial open water swim earlier this year. Yara Pilbara’s General Manager / Plant Manager Chris Rijksen said:
“Yara is pleased to continue our support for this unique event. Our staff and their families enjoy the lifestyle of the Pilbara, and this Open Water Swimming Series gives the whole community a chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches and clean water”.
The Yara Burrup Classic, proudly presented by Yara Pilbara and the City of Karratha, will be held on Saturday, 9 May 2020.
