Sport
5 April, 2026
Swim stalwart’s passion
FAR North Queensland students have represented the Peninsula region at the QRSS State Swimming Championships in Brisbane this week.
The championships, held at the Sleeman Sports Centre in Chandler, brought together school swimmers aged 10-12 and 13-19 from across Queensland.
Twelve regions competed at the event, including Metropolitan East, Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, South Coast, Southwest, Capricornia, Darling Downs, Northwestern, Peninsula and Northern.
Peninsula School Sport, representing FNQ, was among the regions taking part, with students and staff travelling south to compete against the state’s top school swimmers.
Event organisers wished competitors well, encouraging them to “bring your passion, focus and the true QRSS spirit to every moment of competition”.
Alongside the competition, Peninsula swimming team manager Jemma McClafferty was recognised for more than 15 years of service to school sport.
“It has been an incredible journey supporting Peninsula swimmers, watching their growth, commitment and achievements in and out of the pool has been truly rewarding over the past 15 years,” Ms McClafferty said.
Ms McClafferty, who is also the principal of Innisfail State School, was acknowledged as part of a broader recognition of long-serving officials supporting the Queensland Representative School Sport program.
She was joined at the championships by assistant team manager Claire Lavers from Trinity Anglican School.
In a statement, organisers said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team officials who generously give their time and expertise to support the Queensland representative school sport program.”
“Your commitment helps create unforgettable opportunities for young athletes across our state.”
Ms McClafferty was one of several officials recognised.
The championships continue to provide a pathway for young swimmers to compete at a high level while representing their regions and schools.
The event highlights the role of teachers and volunteers in supporting school sport across Queensland, with officials playing a key part in developing student athletes.
