Olympia in Dundee will host the first Long Course swimming event in Scotland in 2026 when it welcomes the SASA Midland District’s inaugural Open Meet this weekend on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January 2026. The meet will bring together around 200 swimmers representing clubs from across the country.
Across six competitive sessions, athletes will compete in a high‑performance environment designed to support optimal race conditions. The event has been officially registered with World Para Swimming, enabling para‑athletes to achieve recognised times in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. This reinforces both Olympia’s and Dundee’s growing role in supporting inclusive, pathway‑level sport.
Hosting a national level event so early in the sporting calendar provides a timely opportunity to highlight the strengths of Olympia. Its facilities and operational capability will be demonstrated across a demanding two‑day programme, reinforcing confidence among national governing bodies and event partners.
Working with World Para Swimming ensures that para‑athletes can compete under the same conditions as their non‑para peers, reflecting Active Dundee’s continued commitment to fair, accessible, and inclusive participation.
With swimmers, families, officials and volunteers attending from across Scotland, the event brings increased activity into the city while raising Dundee’s profile within the wider sporting community.
Scott Urquhart, Head of Leisure, Sport and Physical Activity Services at Active Dundee said,
"Hosting this event is a fantastic opportunity for Dundee. It showcases the strength of our facilities, the dedication of our staff and our commitment to providing inclusive, high‑quality sporting environments for athletes at every stage of their journey. We’re proud to welcome swimmers and para‑swimmers from across Scotland. This event reinforces Dundee’s ambition to be a leading destination for significant competitions."
John Lunn, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Swimming said
“It is fantastic to see a long course swimming competition taking place so early in the new year at the Olympia in Dundee. District level competitions are a vital part of the pathway for our sport, giving young people the opportunity to reach their goals and fulfil their potential by competing against peers. These swimming meets could not go ahead without the dedicated volunteers who run them, and without the financial support of Local Authority and Leisure Trusts upon whom these competitions rely.”
To find about more about the event visit https://www.sasamidlanddistrict.co.uk/events/sasa-midland-district-open-lc-meet-2026