11 December 2008
Present and future Olympians help open state of the art new facility
Inspirational present and future Olympians have cut the ribbon that officially opened Bridgend County Borough’s new swimming pool and fitness centre at Ynysawdre.
Newly wed tri-athletes Helen Tucker and Marc Jenkins were joined by fourteen year old Sara Lougher and Hayley Roberts, both members of the Olympic potential squad for 2012.
Helen Tucker is the International Triathlon Union World champion 2008 and team GB member of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Marc Jenkins competed in both the 2004 Olympic Games and 2002 & 2006 Commonwealth Games.
“It is a pleasure to be here” said Marc. “This is a great facility and I hope it will encourage more people to get active. Young swimmers are already training for the 2012 Games here and I hope this facility will train many more Welsh sportsmen and women in the future.”
Bridgend County Borough Council has high aspirations for the new facility, which has been built with the aim of encouraging more people to become more active more often.
“Our intentions are to increase the numbers of children and young people who swim by working in partnership with local schools. We also aim to encourage our communities to take advantage of these facilities as we create a healthier county borough” explained Councillor Mel Nott, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council.
The facility, which includes a 25-metre pool, teaching pool and changing village, is already being put to good use by both the local community and swimming clubs. The light and spacious facility also boasts a multi-purpose dance studio and a No Limits Fitness Suite with separate locker and changing facilities and a fitness testing centre.
The gym is currently the only BCBC facility to feature the Wellness System, which gives special access to machines that tailor a fitness programme for each individual according to own fitness and goals.
The building of the project was supported by the Sports Council for Wales and Big Lottery Fund.
Sports Council for Wales Chair, Philip Carling, said: “I am delighted that the Sports Council for Wales has been able to support the new pool and fitness suite at Ynysawdre.
“With funding and support from the Welsh Assembly Government and the National Lottery, the Sports Council for Wales is helping to transform the sporting landscape in Wales.
“The considerable investment into community sport, facilities, equipment and coaches has impacted on communities throughout Wales and is helping to raise participation rates across the board.”
- Last Updated: 11/12/2008
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