Neil Kumar, Director of Sports, said that the warm-up/warm-down pool that is badly needed at the National Aquatic centre (NAC) is expected to be realized after the national budget.
The pool is a criterion for the NAC if Guyana is to host international competitions, which are 2013 Carifta Games and the Goodwill Swimming championships at this time. Guyana’s first Olympic-sized swimming pool was commissioned last November.
Mr. Kumar added that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports recognises the importance of the pool and they have every intention to put it in place. He noted that measures are currently in the process to install the pool.
Stephanie Fraser, national swimming coach, recalled that at the pool’s opening ceremony, former president, Bharrat Jagdeo said the estimated $25M cost to build the warm-up/warm-down pool should not pose any trouble. She noted the swimming fraternity is optimistic about having it by this year end.
At the recent concluded Mash Meet, various swimmers expressed the need for the warm-up/warm-down pool. They said the warming-up and warming-down process affects ongoing races. They also pointed out that the deep pool takes a lot of energy out of them when warm up or down.
