The Wellington Amateur Swimming Club (WASC) – formed in 1918 – is presumably one of the longest functioning sporting clubs in the Central West.

Having originally occupied the pool in the Sunken Gardens, the club now calls the Wellington Olympic Swimming Pool home and will have its rich history celebrated by former and current members this week.

Club president, Donna Cosier, said its success has stemmed from a healthy history of volunteers, doubled by a strong interest by competitors and lots of fundraising to keep it financially viable.

A number of great athletes have come out of the club throughout this time, including gold medalists Ian O’Brien and Ben Austin who represented Australia in the Paralympics and Olympic Games.

Cosier confirmed on Tuesday that O’Brien will be attending the celebrations on Saturday, January 20, and she anticipates former members will travel to Wellington for the occasion.

“We have a lot of history that needs to be recognised and remembered,” she said.

Former members took to Facebook to share their fond memories, including club stalwart Harold Henderson and diving coach Harold Murphy.

“Nelson Smith as I recall was pretty wild off the three-metre board,” Greg Cunynghame wrote. “In general some of the entries off this board came perilously close to the filter house side of the pool… Bill Musgrave would often have the misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and cop a drenching!”

An big day is planned at the pool which will include a ‘Golden Oldies Mini Carnival’ where former members can settle old scores in a group pointscore race to be organised on the day. A cake ceremony and speeches will follow.

“We will run actual swim races so you can take on your arch-nemesis of old and see who ‘still has it’,” Cosier said. 

For enquiries contact Donna Cosier at donnamariae42@msn.com