The competition, which is due to take place between August 18 and 21, is the first time that the event has been held at the new £20 million Sunderland Aquatic Centre.
 
The ASA events manager Lucy Rouse is looking forward to holding the prestigious event in the new facility and giving more people the opportunity to see the sport.
 
He said: "It is really exciting to be holding the British Gas National Championships 2010 at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre.

"It is the first time that the ASA have held a national championship in Sunderland and it will be great to make use of the impressive new pool.

"We are looking forward to working alongside Sunderland City Council to produce a top class event and we thank them for their support in producing this competition.
 
"By holding the competition in a new city we are encouraging more people to see the sport and our swimming heroes will hopefully inspire the people of the North East into the pool."
 
Paul Watson, the Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "That the ASA chose to bring such a prestigious and significant event to Sunderland Aquatic Centre demonstrates that we really do have a world-class facility to be proud of.

"As well as being a community pool for Sunderland people, it was always hoped that our 50 metre pool would attract high-calibre national and international events such as this to our city.
 
"I’m sure that our city will be as proud as I am to greet the athletes and spectators and will give them a warm Sunderland welcome."
 
The Sunderland Aquatic Centre was opened in 2008 and is located next to the Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland Football Club.

The 50m pool boasts the most hi-tech equipment and facilities and has a total of 10 lanes.
 
Paul Young, Sunderland Aquatic centre manager said: "I’m really excited that this high profile event is coming to the Sunderland Aquatic Centre in August.

"The Aquatic Centre team and I are looking forward to working with the ASA on the British Gas ASA National Championships and supporting them to ensure the event is a great success.
 
"Having a national event coming to the pool will really showcase the facility to the nation, and demonstrate its full potential.

"I’m really pleased to hear that all the top British swimmers will be competing in the event, including some Olympic medallists.

"These Championships are hugely significant, being the final qualification event for the Commonwealth Games.
 
"I really hope that the Championships in Sunderland will be inspirational to local swimmers of all abilities and will further raise the profile of swimming."


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