Bermuda are sending a team for the first time to the FINA World Masters Swimming Championships later this month.

The team consists of Paul Viney (55) Simon Horrell (56), Colleen Nelson (61), Karen Bruton (44), Christiane Wehmeyer (43), Annette Budge (42) and Kimberly Thomas (28).

They will be competing at the biennial event in Gothenburg, Sweden from July 31 to August 8.

The swimmers will be able to compete in five individual pool events, relay events and also the open water event.

Bermuda have entered four relay teams – mixed freestyle and medley (two men and two women) as well as two women's relays – freestyle and medley.

Competition will take place in two 50 metre pools, one in Gothenburg and the other in Boras.

Nelson said the swimmers had been training with national coach Ben Smith in preparation for the championships.

"The difference between this and most other masters swim meets is that there are qualifying times for the World Championships," she said.

"However, like all other masters swim meets, all events will be swum as timed finals. This is necessary due to the large numbers of participants.

"For example, there will be over 100 heats in the 100 metres freestyle, one of the most popular events.

"The swimmers are very grateful to coach Smith for re-instating masters training sessions this year.

"He has been very helpful and we hope that this will be the start of Bermuda masters swimmers participating in more meets in future years."