President Donald Ramotar in his remarks highlighted his administration’s dedication to the development of sports in the country.
“This facility is one in a line of facilities that our administration has been building in order to ensure that our young people, out sportsmen and women would have the facilities, the kind of world-class facilities to help them to become world champions. I refer, first of all, to the Stadium. Now we have this facility and very soon we will be opening the new world class track facility in the West Demerara area,” Ramotar stated at the opening.
A plaque was also unveiled to commemorate the occasion as Ramotar pointed out some of the benefits of the new facility that will compliment the Olympics size pool situated at the same location.
“Clearly it has economic benefits. Sports, as you know, is big business in many places, but I still hope that the main reason for getting into business is to bring glory to country and glory to self and glory to communities,” Ramotar stressed.
The pre-fabricated 25 x 21 metre warm-up pool was assembled by Myrtha Pool Company at a cost of US$288,600. Myrtha Pool was recommended by FINA, the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronised and open water swimming.
The preliminary work was executed by D&S Construction Company and supervised by Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services (I.E.C.S).
There was a six- month delay in addressing some of the construction challenges, but these were successfully overcome, he added as he thanked the construction company and other stakeholders who made the pool a reality.
The project was executed in three components, with D&S Company undertaking civil works, Myrtha Pool Company which delivered a pre-engineered pool completed with a 10-year warranty and an automated filtration system that can be monitored via the internet.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony highlighted that his ministry hopes to help improve the overall swimming talent especially those at the school level. He said that the Ministry has already being contact with institution such as the University of Guyana as well as CPCE in an effort to better advance the sport.
Vice-president of swimming’s world governing body, FINA, Dale Neuburger was also at hand for the commissioning and applauded Guyana’s effort to ensure that swimming becomes a main staple in Guyana’s growing sporting industry.
“I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the government because this is great investment in facilities, but it’s a great investment for our kids, our young people. And I hope that each of you students in your school uniform- looking very, very good- would soon be in the pool in your swim suits, both learning to swim or beginning a career in competitive swimming. I hope those things occur,” Neuburger said.
Following the opening ceremony, some of Guyana’s top swimmers were involved in a showcase of their skill to those present at the event.
