The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will for the first time
host the SA Swimming Olympic Trials as the country’s best swimmers prepare for
the 2020 Summer Olympics, which will commence from July 23 in Tokyo.
In preparation for the event, the City has partnered with
the Nelson Mandela Bay Aquatics to ensure the Newton Park swimming pool
technical equipment is compliant with the Fédération Internationale de Natation
(FINA) standards and that the City delivers a COVID-19 safe and exciting trial
for the athletes.
NMBM Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Portfolio Head,
Cllr Helga van Staaden recently visited the Newton Park swimming pool, where
the trials will take place from April 7-12, to check the readiness of the
facility before the exciting event.
Van Staaden said they were pleased with the preparations thus
far.
“We are on the right track to position the City as the
international sport destination of choice. The fact that we are the host City
for these trials is a boost to prove we are moving in the right direction. It
gives us great satisfaction to say in this instance, that we beat another
province in hosting such a big event and we are honoured to actually do that.
We will do everything in our power to see to it that it becomes a success,” van
Staaden said.
The City has committed to invest R450 000 towards the
preparations.
NMB Aquatics President Michael Canter said that close to 300
visitors would be descending to the City.
“The hosting of the SA Olympic Trails is a major event in
the SA calendar, traditionally it has always been hosted in Kings Park. This
year we have been given the opportunity to host it in Port Elizabeth and we are
gearing up,” said Canter.
“The swimming pool is looking great at the moment and is
fully FINA compliant. We have upgraded with the assistance of the Metro, we
have upgraded the starting blocks to meet the new FINA standards, and
everything is on track for a great and successful trial for the top swimmers in
the country,” said Canter, adding that the upcoming event was proof that the
City had the facilities for pool swimming.
Van Staaden indicated that COVID-19 regulations will be
adhered to, with spectator numbers kept at 250 people.
“In terms of the COVID-19 regulations, we cannot allow more
than 250 people. There will be strict regulations that will be enforced,
unfortunately we have to do that. We are more than happy to host them as this
will mean a boost for our economy and the sport after being hit by COVID-19,”
she said.
