BUNBURY’S Golden West Dolphins Swimming Club has won the rights to bring the annual Country Pennants to the South West Sports Centre in 2006.

The major event is expected to attract between 1500-2000 competitors from as far as Port Hedland to compete and socialise with other WA swimming clubs and drum up a lot of exposure for the sport and Bunbury.

Committee chairman Ian Mavey said the event provided the opportunity for Bunbury to attract local swimmers in the South West to test themselves and maybe compete at anelite level for the first time.

‘‘We hope having the pennants in Bunbury will encourage swimmers from places like Busselton and Manjimup to take part, as we’re in a convenient spot to draw a lot of competitors and spectators from across the region,’’ Mavey said.

‘‘We know of three clubs that have already booked their accommodation for the weekend, an early example of the boost Bunbury will get from this event, with tourism and exposure as a quality sporting destination.’’

Mavey said the last time Bunbury hosted the pennants was about 12 years ago.

The South West Sports Centre has quoted a cost of $17,000 for the club to use the venue for the pennants, a hefty fee which Mavey aims to meet through sponsorship agreements.

‘‘Negotiations with the centre are going well, it may just take some time to iron out the kinks, but we’re happy with this facility and are keen to show it off to the rest of WA,’’ he said.

Mavey said the club was also talking to the Bunbury City Council about promotional support and would rely heavily on private enterprise support from local businesses.

‘‘The event is basically about the kids from all the regional clubs having the chance to get together and mix, it’s a great opportunity for the South West and we encourage other local clubs, swimmers and anyone interested to get involved,’’ he said.