Courtesy Mesa CVB

In Mesa, Ariz., snowbird retirees are being joined each winter by competitive swimmers, who paddle down from cooler climes for warm respite and training.

Part of the attraction is two swim complexes, one new, the other recently revitalized. Last year, the city opened the $12 million Skyline Aquatic Center; two years ago it spent $8 million to renovate the Kino Aquatic Center. Early this year more than 14 colleges from as far as New York and Quebec came to train in Mesa.

In terms of competitions, more than 1,900 swimmers registered for the 2011 U.S. Masters Swim (Short Course) Nationals there; this year, the synchronized swim championships come to Mesa in May.

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