Damodar Aquatic centre closure hinders PG preps
The closure of the Damodar Aquatic Centre is a setback for Fiji Swimming (FS) prepare for next year’s Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The Games will be held from November 19 to December 2. FS president Ben Rova said they were working their way around to send some of their swimmers to train abroad.
The one pool is the only pool in the country that is the world swimming body’s (FINA) standard however the facility was closed by Fiji Sports
Council for renovations.
“The current closure of the Damodar Aquatic center has definitely hindered our preparations but, we will not allow that to be an excuse,” Rova said.
“We have prepared a preparation budget to include overseas training and competition to supplement the local preparations which include the use of the Suva 50m Olympic pool and the Nadi Sports & Social Club 25m pool.
“We have a number of camps organised where we will have ZOOM sessions with overseas experts and also, pool sessions when we can. “I know of one club planning on taking their elite swimmers and those potential for PG2023 selection to go to Hong Kong and Singapore to compete in 50 metres pools and get the desired times for selection. “Selection to Pacific Games 2023 will only be held in the Long Course
50 metres pool, these two places are selected as there is no visa required ; also hope to reach out to those family members working with Fiji Airways to provide Buddy tickets [10% airfares].
“Again, it’s looking at what opportunities are there and make use of it and not make an excuse we can’t achieve our goals because of the closure of the only 50m pool that is FINA compliant in Fiji.
“Every idea has a cost; we just need to see how we can work around these costs. Whilst FS has its programmes planned for those in the training squad, individuals must also help themselves.”
Meanwhile, swimmers Kelera Mudunasoko, Rosemarie Rova, Epeli Rabua and Hansel McCaig will be particpating in next week’s FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne from December 11-18.