Neptunes to host swimmers for winter months

The temporary closure of the National Swimming Complex at Tal-Qroqq as from next Monday due to refurbishment, termed to be in the interest of national health and safety, may not have met the approval of the regular users of the pool, particularly the elite swimmers and waterpolo players whose winter preparation is so vital in their bid to reach optimal form in the peak season.

Over the past days, however, when the details of the works and alternative facilities were confirmed, pool patrons were duly notified that they could collect a pass which would enable them to carry on with their favourite activity in another venue.

The Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, as administrators of the Complex, had made arrangements with Neptunes WPSC for the 33-metre fresh water heated pool at Balluta Bay to be made available for the next two months until structural works are completed on the changing room facilities and the Plant Room which houses the pool machinery at Tal-Qroqq.

This news will have come as a relief for the elite swimmers and the many youngsters training with the club nurseries.

Members of the Aquatic Sports Association's Swimming Board and the newly-appointed Hungarian coach Steven Kormos had said it was imperative that the winter build-up would not be disrupted by lack of pool facilities if the swimmers were to reach desired levels.

The national group are currently on a ten-day training camp in Aquacetosa, Rome, after which they are due to proceed to England for an international meeting.

The works at the National Pool Complex, which are being funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment, also responsible for Sport, can now be carried out without any hindrance to the swimmers' programme, while the other regular users of the national pool will be able to keep their appointment with their leisurely swimming chores.

George Whelpdale, Facility Manager at the National Pool Complex expressed his satisfaction that thanks to the arrangements made regular members of the national pool complex and elite swimmers will be able to make use of alternative swimming facilities in the cold months at no extra cost.