Nearly 250 swimmers will take to the pool from 18 clubs, which are from as far as Glenbrook to Forbes and Parkes, with roughly 90 athletes from the three Orange clubs also prepared to compete. 

Kinross swimming coordinator Jo Keown said the club was “very excited” to be hosting an event, with the pool’s size at the school the main barrier to holding events the size of the winter championships. 

However, Keown said it was time the club got involved in hosting an event, and had been working with the aquatic centre to make it all come together.

“The staff at the aquatic centre have been so helpful and they’ve done this all that many times before,” she said. 

“It’s also good for our parents to be involved at an organisational level as well, it’s not something they will have done as much.” 

In the pool, Keown said the Kinross swimmers had been going “pretty well” in preparations for country championships next month, with more qualifying spots up for grabs this weekend. 

“A lot of them have qualified already and will be looking to take a few seconds off their times,” she said.

“We’re also looking for the all-important winter championship trophy.”

“We’re looking forward to it, and wishing all the kids around Orange all the best, and want to thank the aquatic centre for all their help.” 

City of Orange Swim Club president Tanya Chapman said she was looking forward to the carnival after “dominating” the last meet held in Orange. 

“I don’t mean to boast but what the kids did was incredible.” 

Incredible it was – from just 21 swimmers, the club took home 44 first places in 168 finals appearances, and Chapman said she was hoping to see improvements on times as swimmers took a few seconds off and those who hadn’t qualified were able to do so, saying the club has been training hard.

“I don’t let them rest, and I’m pushing them … you get the eye rolls but when they get to tournaments and they love it,” she said.

“I wish all my kids and everyone else in Orange the best of luck.” 

Jets president Michael Thornhill said Jets would have a small turnout at the carnival after their own event a few weeks ago, and other sporting commitments “taking priority this time around” for some swimmers. 

“The Jets squad has been putting in a big effort in training and look forward to testing themselves against the best swimmers from the area,” Thornhill said.

“Chasing personal bests will be what the Jets swimmers will be looking to achieve, as well as qualifying times for the upcoming NSW Country championships.”