Canada's swimmers will battle it out for a place at this summer's Games in the swimming pool which was used for Montreal 1976, with the qualifiers taking place from March 27 to April 1.

It will be the first time the selection trials are presented in conjunction with both the Olympic and Paralympic Committees.

"We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership," said Pierre Lafontaine (pictured right), chief executive and national coach for Swimming Canada.

"Being able to integrate the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic brands...will provide our organisation with a greater platform to promote the values of our sport, athletes and coaches."

Chris Overholt (pictured centre), Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) chief executive, added: "One of the primary goals for the COC is to cast the spotlight on our great athletes and our partners in the sport community.

"The COC is excited to partner with Swimming Canada on the 2012 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic swimming trials to help grow the profile of the sport of swimming in this country and to create this new model for how Canadian Olympic athletes are unveiled to their fans.

Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) chief executive Henry Storgaard commented: "High-profile events such as these trials are important for showcasing Paralympic sport and Canada's elite-level swimmers with a disability.

"Canada has a strong track record in Paralympic swimming and we are confident this marquee event will be a success in identifying the top talent aiming towards London – both established veterans and new medal contenders – while also generating excitement about the London 2012 Paralympic Games."

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