NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt swimming program is set to depart on a two-week international excursion to New Zealand that will feature numerous education opportunities.
The Commodores have paired with Guil Gualda, professor of earth and environmental sciences, to set an itinerary that will feature multiple cultural experiences and educational trips within the country.
While the trip officially begins Tuesday morning, Vandy student-athletes prepped for the journey with field day exercises in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Monday. With the time change, it will be Thursday morning before the team arrives in Auckland, New Zealand, the first of three cities the Dores will explore.
While in Auckland, the Commodores are scheduled to visit Viaduct Harbour and the Americas Cup Village, participate in a whale and dolphin safari tour, and experience the Sky Tower. One of their competitions is scheduled for the Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre. On Sunday, the group will move to Rotorua, where their four-day stay will include classroom excursions, multiple tours, participation in a Mitai Maori cultural experience and one morning with a swim at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre.
The final leg of the journey will be spent in Whakapapa June 1–3. It will include a 20-kilometer hike across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and a classroom trip to Mount Ruapehu. The Dores will also take part in Hobbiton Tours upon returning to Auckland before the team travels back to the United States on June 5.
“I feel so fortunate to be a part of a university that prides itself with providing opportunities, not just to students but also student-athletes and faculty. This trip to New Zealand will be a wonderful, shared experience for the team,” assistant coach Chelsea Bailey said. “I am excited for our Vandy swimmers to add to their global perspectives and bring what they learn back to campus. We look forward to collaborating with the earth and environmental science department as we gain knowledge abroad!”
