Challenge Community

Gunnedah Swimming Carnival 2024

June 5, 2024
2:49 am

That’s a wrap on our Annual Gunnedah Swimming Carnival for 2024, celebrating 20 years of inclusivity and sportsmanship.

Challenge Community Services hosted our annual Gunnedah Swimming Carnival on 10 May 2024. The competition was open to anyone with a disability over the age of 16. With over 130 entrants from 20 different providers, this has been one of our biggest events yet and showcased the incredible talent and spirit of our wonderful clients.

It all started in 2002 after one of our support workers in Gunnedah, Lyn Gaynor, took some of her clients to a swimming carnival in Gilgandra.

“It was such a great day watching the guys achieving their goals and mixing with other organisations. When we came back I initiated the idea we should hold a swimming carnival in Gunnedah.”

After 18 months of hard work from the team and their community, the first ever Gunnedah Swimming Carnival was held in 2004.

The event has grown over the years, attracting hundreds of competitors from across the region. Now in it’s 20th year, competitors come from all over NSW, including Armidale, Dubbo, Warialda, Mudgee, Tamworth, and Quirindi, to participate in swimming and novelty events, embodying the values of determination and sportsmanship.

Competitors took part in swimming and novelty events, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Awards were also given for encouragement, sportsmanship, and the overall winning service provider. You can view the complete list of our winners here!

Thanks to our major sponsor Whitehaven Coal who donated $4,000 towards the event. We’d also like to thank the following sponsors who helped make the event a success. Our wonderful sponsors include:

Congratulations to all the competitors for their inspiring performances, we hope to see you all again next year! Excited to join the carnival again? Sign-up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about next year’s event!

Don’t forget to explore our social media to relive the wonderful moments and excitement of the day. We also have a highlight reel on your YouTube channel.