Gateway’s 50m Olympic standard pool declared open
With state- of- thear t star t i n g blocks equipped with F I NA approved moveable track start with safe start handle facilities, Gateway College has introduced a swimming pool to the country that meets international standards. These blocks are showcased and used in FINA World Cup, Olympic and Commonwealth Games venues. The new swimming pool situated in Gateway College in Negombo was ceremoniously opened by the swimming icon of Sri Lanka, Julian Bolling, who was also the first swimming coach of Gateway. With a scenic view of the Negombo lagoon, the facility is a masterpiece in architecture.
Speaking at the opening, Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of Gateway, mentioned that Gateway in its short history of 22 years have invested heavily in sport not only for the betterment of its students, but also for the benefit of the entire country. The badminton court in Rajagiriya, the basketball courts in Rajagiriya, Kandy and Dehiwala, the football pitch in Ratmalana and the new swimming pool can only be compared to the best available in the region.
Dr. Alles further stated, that Gateway is willing to open these venues free of charge for the use of the national sports teams, to encourage them to achieve greater heights in the international arena. In fact, the national basketball team currently practices at the Gateway College, Rajagiriya courts.
Speaking of the achievements of Gateway students, Dr. Alles stated that 36 of their current students represent Sri Lanka in various sports and that their achievements are a further encouragement for the school to make substantial investments towards the development of infrastructure in sport.
As this is the first 50metre pool for any international school in Sri Lanka and the only such pool in the district of Gampaha, Gateway wishes to dedicate the facility to the 21 Gateway swimmers who have so far represented the country during its short history of 22 years. Gateway saluted their laudable achievements of the past years, accomplished during a time when the school still had only minimal facilities.