Clarification: we've been told by the city that the mascot in question is actually pronounced "Cray Zee" though spelled Cray Z.

Press release follows:

Local lad extreme sportster Cray Z is coming home strong in the Aquarena Mascot Election that wraps up this Sunday after a month of frenetic voting by Geraldton’s children.

It’s not yet a done deal, but Cray Z is looking good, with Pool Pony still having a slim chance. Mr White, while an intimidating candidate, particularly for Pool Pony whom he once tried to eat, has been left in her wake. Octomum has been a solid contender but may need some snuggling up comfort with her eight kids, come Monday when the winner is announced.

Aquarena Manager, David Emery, said that children have voted eagerly for their favourite character with well over 2000 total votes expected. They’re still coming in from polling booths at the Aquarena, Geraldton Regional Library, PCYC, and online from the Geraldton Youth App and Youth ‘n’ Motion facebook page. Children at Bright Stars Family Day Care, Turtle Cove Early Learning Centre, and primary schools voted extensively before the holidays.

Schools were very supportive of the Election in the lead up to the school holiday. Children at some schools were reportedly talking about the characters all week.

PCYC Manager, Jill Bourke commented that they were amazed at how willingly children had voted without a prize being offered.

People of all ages can learn to swim at the Aquarena from infants, pre-schoolers, school aged children and even adults, these classes begin on 14 October.

“We’re really pleased that we have 308 Vac swim enrolments and over 650 re- enrolments for the Term 4 Swim School,” said Mr Emery.

Here is the link to get a voting form: http://aquarena.cgg.wa.gov.au/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/voting-form.pdf