Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is set to host the 2021 Swimming Olympic trials.
In preparation for the event, the City has partnered with Nelson Mandela Bay Aquatics to ensure the Newton Park swimming pool technical equipment is compliant with the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) standards and that the City delivers a COVID-19 safe and exciting trial for the athletes.
The trials are set to take place next month. Nelson Mandela Bay Aquatics President Michael Canter says close to 300 visitors are expected in Gqeberha for the event.
“The top athletes, the top 60 male and female athletes have been invited to attend together with some disabled athletes. They will all be staying in a bubble for the duration of the event and the swimming will be taking place at the Newton Park swimming pool. The pool is looking great at the moment and is fully compliant.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Portfolio Head, Helga van Staaden visited the Newton Park swimming pool to check the readiness of the facility.
The metro has invested R450 000 towards preparations.
“I am quite happy with the preparations so far, we have to thank NMB Aquatics for their specialised advice. We are in partnership with them to make the event a success. They brought it to our attention that we need international standard equipment and they saw to it that we got to that point where we have them installed and in time for the event that will take place from the 7th until 12th April 2021,” says Helga van Staaden.
