Final training sessions are taking place this week in Yamba for what promises to be the biggest and best carnival yet. Over 125 swimmers representing 22 clubs from all over Australia will compete over two days this Queen’s birthday weekend in Yamba. Thirty of our own Clarence River Masters Club members are swimming, with several star performers hoping to build on their successes at the World Masters Games held recently in Auckland, New Zealand. Club president, Jane Lawrence, is thrilled to announce that among those competing the oldest competitor is 88 years of age and the youngest is 19. Fast times are anticipated with the 25-metre freestyle event attracting starting time nominations as fast as fourteen seconds. Jane made particular mention of the friendly spirit of competition and connection that brings swimmers back year after year to this wonderful event. Trevor Armstrong from Victoria loves the carnival so much that, since he first competed in 2008, has returned every year; Trevor is now part of the Clarence River Masters family, having joined our club in 2010, he incorporates Yamba and the CRM carnival into his annual holidays. In its fourteenth year, the signature event – the State of Origin relay clash between NSW and Queensland – will take place at 12.45pm Sunday. Handicapper, David Abrahams, selects our swimmers based on their times throughout the carnival; like any match race, it is always so close. Spectators are invited to attend the carnival over the two days. Sprint events are also programmed for Sunday afternoon. A presentation dinner is held on the Sunday night for members, guests and visitors. On the Masters calendar, Yamba’s carnival is unique.