The spanking new Olympic-size swimming pool at Liliendaal
Guyana’s swimming fraternity has been given an enormous boost with the commissioning of the country’s first Olympic-size swimming pool at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
Dubbed the National Aquatic Centre, the 50m state-of-the-art pool, which was constructed by Kares Engineering and Myrtha Pool Incorporated, was declared open by President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday morning during a colourful ceremony attended by government functionaries, representatives of a few sports associations, special invitees, and officials of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).
The Head-of-State said his government is always willing to partner with local associations to ensure the growth and development of sport and this is one of the shining examples of what such partnerships can realise.
Jagdeo explained that when the current administration took office in 1992, funds was limited and there were several urgent projects that needed to be executed, thus certain sectors took priority over sport.
He added now that the economy is in a far better shape, the sporting infrastructure has been significantly transformed, drawing reference to the construction of the National Stadium, Racquet Centre, Aquatic Centre, and the ongoing works on the Synthetic Track at Leonora.
While the Aquatic Centre will aid local swimmers’ preparations ahead of regional and international competitions, it will also afford Guyana the opportunity of hosting prestigious swim meets.
With that in mind, GASA president Alex Graham requested the Head-of-State’s assistance in the construction of a 25m warm-up pool, to ensure that Guyana meets all the requirements for the hosting of such events as the Goodwill Championships next year and the Carifta championships in 2013.
“I’m not going to make significant commitments on the treasury that would outlast my presidency, but since I’m told that the warm-up pool is just about Gy$25m, I’m sure we can afford it,” the president responded to rapturous applause. Speaking on behalf of GASA, Graham said, “it’s (the pool) been a long time coming. Anticipation led to disappointment… but now anticipation has returned.”
In addition to making the call for a 25m warm up pool, Graham added that plans are in place for the first FINA Course for Water Polo coaches in December, as GASA is keen on introducing that sport to Guyanese.
Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said that over the years the “government has made a concerted effort to improve the sporting infrastructure in Guyana.” He highlighted the construction of the National Stadium, Aquatic Centre, and Racquet Centre, renovation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and National Gymnasium, and the resurfacing of the inner circuit of the National Park and the South Dakota Circuit as significant achievements.
He also took the opportunity to announce that Phase One of the Synthetic Track at Leonora is almost complete. Dr. Anthony mentioned that the Aquatic Centre will be used for numerous purposes, primary among them, providing a home for the national swimming team’s elite programme.
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