World
Aquatics, in collaboration with the Bhutan Aquatics Federation, is proud to
announce the grand opening of a groundbreaking Pools for All facility in
Thimphu, Bhutan. This historic milestone marks the inauguration of the
first-ever competition swimming pool in the Kingdom of Bhutan, made possible
through a partnership to promote aquatic sports throughout the region.
The Pools
for All Programme is a World Aquatics development initiative launched in 2019
with the aim to ensure that all World Aquatics National Member Federations have
access to the best possible aquatics facilities to promote aquatic sports.
Constructed
under the careful supervision and financing of World Aquatics, the new pool in
Bhutan is situated at an impressive altitude of 8200 feet (2400 meters), making
it the highest swimming pool in the world. This elevation adds a unique and
exciting dimension to the facility, which swimmers of all levels can
experience.
"The
opening of this Pools for All pool in Bhutan represents a significant milestone
in our mission to promote aquatics sports globally," said Husain
Al-Musallam, the President of World Aquatics. "We are immensely proud to
have collaborated with the Bhutan Aquatics Federation to bring this project to
fruition. Together, we can create opportunities for and inspire athletes and
aquatics enthusiasts across Bhutan.”
Bhutanese
swimmers Kinley Lhendup and Sangay Tenzin, who both train at the World Aquatics
Training Centre in Phuket, Thailand, reflected on the significance of the pool
opening for aquatics participation across their country.
"Growing
up as swimmers dreaming of competing on the world stage without a pool to learn
or train in has presented challenges to overcome. Today, Bhutan dives into a
new era of aquatics. I couldn't be more excited about what this facility in
Thimphu means not only for Sangay and me personally but especially for the
future of aquatic sports in our country," said Lhendup, a World Aquatics
Scholarship Programme athlete and three-time World Aquatics Championships
competitor.
"As
we inaugurate Bhutan's first pool today, I am incredibly proud," shared
Tokyo 2020 Olympian and Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder Tenzin, who most
recently competed internationally at the World Aquatics Championships this year
in Doha, Qatar. "Remember: even the slightest ripple can create waves of
change.
“Today
marks a victory for all lovers of aquatic sport."
The
opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and officials from World Aquatics,
the Bhutan Olympic Committee, local and regional officials, Bhutanese national
federation presidents from four Olympic sports, and the Bhutan Department of
Tourism.
HRH
Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee,
commended the opening of the country’s first aquatics facility, saying the
venue “symbolised the beginning of a new era for aquatics in Bhutan.”
His Royal
Highness expressed his confidence that the swimming pool will emerge as a focal
point for aspiring swimmers, seasoned athletes, and recreational enthusiasts
alike. He emphasized this facility's critical role in fostering participation
in aquatics, a cornerstone for nurturing elite athletic performance.
"We
are delighted to witness the opening of this facility," remarked Sonam
Karma Tshering, President of the Bhutan Aquatics Federation. "The Pools
For All facility not only opens doors for competitive swimming but also serves
as a fantastic facility for our youth to develop their love for and talent in
aquatics sports. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to World Aquatics for their
unwavering support and partnership."
Through
the World Aquatics development programme, young athletes now more than ever
have the opportunity to participate in competitive swimming. Together with the
Bhutan Aquatics Federation, World Aquatics continues to realise this and looks
forward to facilitating a future filled with opportunity, success and a love of
swimming for all.
About
World Aquatics
Driven by
the vision of a world united by water for health, life and sport, World
Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports. Founded in
1908, World Aquatics is an independent organisation of 210 National Federations
and five Continental Organisations.
World
Aquatics oversees six aquatic sports – swimming, water polo, diving, artistic
swimming, open water swimming, high diving – and is recognised by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the leading global authority of these
sports.
About
Bhutan Aquatics Federation
The
Bhutan Aquatics Federation is the governing body for aquatics sports in the
Kingdom of Bhutan. The federation strives to provide accessible opportunities
for athletes to excel and represent Bhutan on the global stage.
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