That is according to Port Pirie Mayor Brenton Vanstone, who added that the 1500 people visiting the city for the championships from Thursday to Sunday had also been surprised by just how much it had to offer.

Speaking to The Recorder at the championships’ mayoral reception, Mayor Vanstone said many people had told him that it was their first visit to Port Pirie and they were amazed by the facilities the city offered.

“It has been estimated that the hosting of these championships can provide an economic benefit to Port Pirie and the region of approximately $1.4 million,” he said.

“Major sporting events are important to this city and the community as they provide an end-point destination, as we are five kilometres off the highway.

“It is easy for travelers to just pass us by.

“We need to entice visitors to experience our strong retail sector and our well developed community facilities.

“The community of Port Pirie boasts a fine reputation of hosting special events in a professional and competent manner.”

Mr Vanstone encouraged the 411 athletes from 22 clubs, as well as their supporters and families, to “experience the generous hospitality of the city of Port Pirie and the amazing volunteers from the Port Pirie Swimming Club”.

“We often wonder how major events would fare without the significant contribution from our volunteers,” he said.

“The Port Pirie Swimming Club volunteers have been worked diligently since being awarded these championships and I am certain they will be available to SwimmingSA to assist in any capacity, such are their skills and dedication to the sport of swimming.”

He encouraged those attending to enjoy the hospitality for which Port Pirie was known.

“I trust you will become ambassadors for the city of Port Pirie.”

He said the Country Championships would stimulate “local interest in the sport of swimming” and provide “a huge boost to the economy of the city and the region”.

It is the eighth time that Port Pirie has hosted the prestigious championships since 1967.