Optimism of swimming achievements high as National Aquatic Centre commissioned

Nov 05, 2011 Sports

---

 

After years of agitation and resolute patience, local swimmers are now delighted

following the commissioning of a state of the art National Aquatic Centre by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) at Liliendaal ECD yesterday morning. Consequently, MCYS Minister, Frank Anthony is optimistic that local swimmers are now equipped to compete with their international counterparts.
The ceremony was attended by Head of State, Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Frank Anthony, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, heads of several sports entities as well as affiliates of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA).
Several government officials spoke at the forum and the general consensus seems to suggest that the National Stadium Providence, touted as the masterpiece of local sports infrastructure, may very well be relegated to second best. The facility which boasts changing rooms, a spacious viewing gallery and a resplendent Olympic sized pool was commissioned at just about 10:30hrs yesterday morning and President Bharrat Jagdeo temporarily aborted a cabinet meeting to perform the inauguration formalities and deliver the feature address.
Indeed, early morning showers sprinkled the venue but failed to put a damper to the proceedings, instead abating shortly before the head of state took to the podium. He officially lauded the efforts of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Frank Anthony, saying that it was a sound demonstration of strength and character on his part that eventually witnessed the culmination of the project.
He also responded to an earlier request from the President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Alex Graham, for an auxiliary pool to facilitate the warming up process. “I have heard the call and since the realization of such a facility is just around 25 million dollars, which is not a significant demand on the treasury, I could acquiesce to it,” Mr. Jagdeo pronounced.
He posited that his government has successfully created the identity of the nation through sports, culture and the expression of art. “This is very important towards the establishment of a strong and unique Guyanese identity in which we all could be proud of,” exhorted Mr. Jagdeo. He admitted that his government had been unable to deliver on several promises over the years to construct adequate sports facilities but assured that these projects have not been altogether forgotten but will be revisited in the near future. One of these facilities is a velodrome but Mr. Jagdeo has recommitted to the realization of this facility in the near future. “We also intend to construct several indoor facilities across the country,” assured the President.
He further acknowledged the importance of sports to the nation’s development and its ability to curtail the high incidences of chronic diseases while acknowledging the heavy toll placed on the health bill because of these diseases. “Sports could eliminate such ravages,” advocated Mr. Jagdeo. He urged the swimmers and other users to care the facility and assured that officials have budgeted for periodical maintenance works.
Earlier, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony reminded the gathering that his government has been working assiduously to modernize sports infrastructure. He alluded to the construction of the Providence Stadium and the Non Pariel tennis courts. “We have also embarked on new frontiers including the Lenora Track and Field facility,” said the Sports Minister. He further intimated that a German company would arrive here soon to commence phase two of the project. He envisaged that the pool would be an asset, not only to the swimming fraternity but to other disciplines where the affiliates seek to accrue strength through swimming exercises. Mr. Anthony informed that the Aquatic Centre will also boast a teaching center where referees, coaches and other auxiliary staff may enhance their skills.
Permanent Secretary within the MCYS, Alfred King delivered a synopsis of the construction process while detailing the many challenges experienced by the project management team. He said that the facility was first conceptualized in 2007 and after several submissions and rejections, was finally approved. He said that Myrtha Pool Inc, a reputable firm in the construction of swimming pools, was awarded the contract since their reputation preceded them.
“It took quite a while to be manifested and during that time there was much disillusion and despair but now that the project has been realized the swimming fraternity is satisfied,” disclosed GASA President, Mr. Graham. He further noted that contrary to the wide held view that the only prerequisite to entry into the sport was the ability to strip of all clothing, there were other pressing requirements. As such, he feels that there is a clear synergy between Mr. Anthony’s vision and GASA’s dreams.
It was around this time that he made a pitch for the warm up pool. “Your final days in office are the most powerful and definitive ones,” he told the head of state. “You are able to make those decisions and will not have to take any flak for them,” he continued. It was then that Mr. Jagdeo acquiesced to the facility.
Those in attendance were also treated to entertaining music, dances and folk songs compliments of the National Steel Orchestra and the National Dance School moments before the head of state unveiled the plaque.

---

---