Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that the NCAA Division I Championship/Competition Cabinet has approved the Goodwill Games Aquatic Center in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow to be the site for the Men's Swimming and Diving Championships to be held March 25-27, 2004.

"This is truly an honor for the residents of Nassau County," said Suozzi. "Being awarded this opportunity is a credit to the County and the directors who run the Aquatic Center."

Over 350 competitors will participate in this competition, and almost every major university will have a representative in the meet. This event is a qualifying meet on the road to the Olympics in Athens, Greece. The NCAA meet in March will be the last major championship before Olympic selections are made.

In 2004, the measurement for these events will change from yards to meters. It is expected that many Olympic hopefuls will be present and many records will be broken.

Swimmers attend these meets with groups of coaches, friends, fans, and family. This meet will have a major economic impact on the county, as it is expected that between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators will visit local hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.

The 80,000-square-foot, multi-level Swimming and Diving Center at Eisenhower Park was the site of the Goodwill Games and the 1999 Empire State Games aquatic competitions. The world class natatorium is equipped with the largest pool in the Northern Hemisphere.

Information about the NCAA Division I Men's Championships can be found on the Nassau County Department of Economic Development website at www.nassaucountynydevelopment.org.