KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Some of the nation’s finest collegiate swimmers and potential Olympians are to vie for honors at the annual Orange Bowl Swimming Classic, set for Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Jacobs Aquatic Center, mile marker 99.6 oceanside in Key Largo.

The classic is an integral part of a monthlong Orange Bowl training session for collegiate swimmers in the Keys. The sprint-style meet features 20 fast-paced swimming events, measured by a state-of-the-art timing system.

Of 18 college teams scheduled to attend winter training, eight are slated to compete in the swimming classic including George Mason University from Fairfax, Va.; University of Michigan from Ann Arbor, Mich., and Penn State from State College, Pa.

“Key Largo is quickly becoming a much sought-after place for training,” said Dr. Jim Boilini, event chairman, who also serves on the board of directors of the Jacobs Aquatic Center, which celebrates its 10th year of operation in 2012.

“Combine Key Largo’s weather, a first-class training facility and the community’s embrace with the lure of the Orange Bowl, it is only getting better and better,” Boilini said.

Admission is free to watch the competition, expected to start at 2 p.m. and continue until 4 p.m.

A post-contest awards social and dinner are set to commence at the Jacobs Aquatic Center following the meet. Spectators who reserve ahead can attend the dinner and interact with the swimmers and coaches.

Event contact: http://jacobsaquaticcenter.org or 305-453-SWIM (305-453-7946)

Key Largo visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 1-800-822-1088

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