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Christmas Cracker draws hundreds to Commonwealth pool

Saanich's Commonwealth Place Pool will be jammed this weekend with 650 youth swimmers
Christmas Cracker swim m
Pacific Coast Swimming club athlete Ayaka Behro competes in the 100-metre backstroke at the 2010 Christmas Cracker swim meet.

Saanich's Commonwealth Place Pool will be jammed this weekend as 650 youth athletes from the Island and mainland converge for the 11th Annual Christmas Cracker.

Victoria's Pacific Coast Swimming hosts the event, which starts with heats at 8:30 a.m on Friday, and ends with finals at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

"Big meets like these are a great way for young swimmers to get experience at a long, busy meet," said Mark Lancaster, general manager of PCS.

"It can be a challenge for swimmers to keep their energy up for three days of events, so it is great we are able to host these big meets at Commonwealth Place."

London 2012 bronze medalist and UVic Vikes swimmer Richard Weinberger is a veteran of the Christmas Cracker event.

Christmas cracker sked:

Friday, Dec. 7

Heats: 8:30am to 1:30pm

Finals: 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Saturday, Dec 8

Heats: 8:30am to 1:30pm

Finals: 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Sunday, Dec 9

Heats: 8:30am to 1:30pm

Finals: 5:00pm to 8:00pm