SWIMMER, George Bovell III is pleased with the Government’s decision to commence construction of a National Aquatic Centre, but remains cautious after similar promises were made, but did not materalise under previous administration.
The disclosure was made on Monday by Finance Minister Winston Dookeran during his 2011-2012 National Budget presentation at Tower D, Waterfront Complex in Port-of-Spain.
“We have been hearing and waiting for this national swimming facility for quite a few years. I must say that we have been told of this National Aquatics Centre by previous governments and to this date, nothing has ever happened,” said Bovell.
He told Newsday, “I hope this administration is really going forward with this. I’m elated to know that it’s in their annual plan and it will greatly benefit our local and also international swimmers.”
The 2003 Pan American Games gold medallist is eager for construction to commence on the National Aquatic Centre and expressed his disappointment about not being able to train in such a facility for the Olympic Games in London next year.
“I know it may be a tough request but I personally would have liked to use the facility for my Olympic preparation. This would be a major boost for me if I really put full use to a facility of this standard. This is peak-time for the Olympic season and a state-of-the-art facility such as this would significantly assist me in my preparations,” Bovell stated.
The former Auburn swimmer said that the National Aquatic Facility will boost Sports Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago and improve the standard of swimmers.
“This facility will bring an overall enhancement to all local swimmers. It will surely attract a lot more younger swimmers and bring an influx of talent for Trinidad and Tobago swimming. We would also be able to hopefully host some international swim events and competitions which would boost the general outlook of our swimming,” said Bovell.
He continued, “Also, athletes will not have to leave the country to go to professional facilities abroad and continue their training. It proves that this will be a great cost benefit to local swimmers. This money would be saved since they would be able to access a professional pool and training arena, right here in Trinidad.”
The former Canada Cup winner is confident that the facility will attract numerous swimmers from around the world it meets international standards.
“During the colder parts of the year, which has more or less begun in other parts of the world, many athletes throughout Europe and the Northern Hemisphere have to source warmer countries to continue their outdoor swim training. I know swimmers from Finland and Sweden who fly to Miami and other warm climates to ensure that they don’t falter with their swimming. It’s very hard and even impossible for a swimmer to train in freezing water,” said the Olympic bronze medallist.
He continued, “With Trinidad having a National Aquatic Centre, it will surely bring top international athletes to this country to train during the winter. This in itself would reap great rewards for everyone. Local athletes would now be able to look at world professionals and how they go about their training schedules. This country would also finally be able to host world-class swim meets with recognised swimmers. These top swimmers can work with our younger ones and help them in areas that are in need of work. They can also help coaches enhance and further develop their teaching methods.”
By Jonathan Ramnansingh
Source: www.newsday.co.tt