National pool

Andrew Paris, President, Exiles Sports Club, Sliema.
(Article in the Times of Malta 17-Nov-2005)

Strong rumours are doing the rounds suggesting that the Malta Sports Council, responsible for the running of the National Swimming Pool at Tal-Qroqq, may decide to close down the pool during the months of December, January and possibly February for the second year running.

This time, however, it seems that it is not maintenance works that may cause this closure but the hefty costs involved in heating the pool.

Whereas last year alternative arrangements were made with Neptunes which enabled the members and clubs to utilise their heated pool during the closure, this year it seems that no such alternative is available. We have a group of 16 youths who have been training three times a week in preparation for a training camp and some friendly matches in Holland over the New Year.

We might be forced to suspend the training schedules if the pool closes down. I strongly urge the Minister of Education and other concerned authorities to look into the matter with utmost urgency. It would be no way to treat dedicated young athletes and their families who are ready to make sacrifices in order to help them excel in the sport that they love.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=206068