Academy Planned For Lautoka Swimmers
In a move to help Lautoka-based swimmers prepare well for future swimming tournaments, discussions are underway for the setting up of a Lautoka Swimming Academy.
Fiji Swimming vice-president Martin Coffin said they want to start a swimming academy in Lautoka as they have a venue in mind.
“We have big plans to host our regional club swimming championship annually that targets families and a bi-annually a major international swimming championship,” Coffin said.
He said the completion of an aquatic pool at the Botanical Garden was an urgent need for swimming clubs in the West.
“This is because the Suva Aquatic Centre is closed for the next 15 months due to renovations.”
“Lautoka and Fiji have missed out on opportunities to be hosting international swimmers while the rest of the region are still gradually opening their borders,” Coffin said.
“The Suva pool closure has also greatly impacted preparations for next year’s Pacific Games despite our swimmers performing exceptionally well at the recent Commonwealth Games.”
He said Fiji demonstrated its ability to host large-scale sporting events and promote sports tourism in other niche markets.
“We have the expertise, we just need the facility to allow us to produce the goods,” he said.
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