FAST hosts high school championships and much more.
Written By Cynthia McFarland
‘Build it and they will come’ has certainly proven true for Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST).
The indoor, climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility will soon welcome the best of the state’s high school athletes to Ocala.
Photo courtesy of Colen Built Development
This November, FAST will host the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Swimming and Diving Championships, as well as in 2024 and 2025.
“FAST has proven over the last year and a half to be the premier venue for aquatic sports in Florida, hosting events ranging from local competitions and national events to NCAA meets,” says Kevin Milak, director of business development and training. “We offer an experience that no other facility can match in the state of Florida for both competitors and spectators.”
The 2023 Championship is split into two consecutive weekends. Each of the four classifications (1A, 2A, 3A and 4A) has their own day of competition.
In addition to these exciting championships, FAST offers a variety of year-round swimming opportunities for the community.
On the morning of November 18, youth swimmers can check out “Try a Tri,” a short distance triathlon.
The next “Sunset Swim,” when the pool is open to the public at a discounted rate, is also scheduled for November 18.
“We have a Winter Camp on December 20, 21 and 22 that is open to children ages 7 to 14. This will include swimming, crafts, scavenger hunts, lunch and snacks, and winter activities,” says Dr. Gemma Fleming, aquatic program director. “The camp is 8am to 5pm for the full day.”
Swim lessons are available all year, along with lap swim and open swim. (Check website for schedule.)
There are also competition options.
“We have a swim team that competes during the weekends,” notes Dr. Fleming. “The team ranges from ages 5 to 18 and all abilities once a child goes through our swim school. Our high school teams train at our facility and compete on Thursday nights. We have a diving team that is in its infancy stages, and we hope will grow into a competitive team.”
FAST also offers CPR classes, babysitting certification for teens and lifeguarding classes.
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training
For championships details and tickets, visit fhsaa.com/sports/swim.