THE NATIONAL Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown has been chosen as the training base for the US synchronised swimming team in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics in London.
The decision is also the first sign that Ireland’s hopes of attracting interest from competitors in pre-Olympic preparation may be realised and was welcomed by Minister for Sport, Mary Hanafin TD.
“Given Ireland’s proximity to London, and the many accessible routes to and from the UK, we can benefit from a sporting, tourism and a broader economic knock-on effect with the large number of people planning to travel to the games from all over the world,” she said.
Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland, praised the staff at the National Aquatic Centre saying that the news was great for Ireland “and a wonderful boost for the association between Ireland and the London Olympics. Congratulations to all concerned”.
The US squad of over 20 swimmers and team officials will be based in Dublin for three separate periods – a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament (two weeks in April 2012), a pre-Olympic training base camp (two weeks in July 2012) and as its training base throughout the Olympics (August 2012).
Sandra Mahoney, national team director of US Synchronized Swimming, felt Abbotstown was the best of the locations she had viewed.
“We have checked out all the alternative options prior to London and have concluded that the best place for us is the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. The facility is world-class and the country is most welcoming,” said Mahoney.
