INTERNATIONAL Swimming Association (FINA) vice-president Dale Neuburger and president of the South American Swimming Federation (CONSANAT) Juan Carlos Orihuela are expected to attend when the opening ceremony for the warm-up pool of the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal is held tomorrow. President for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud yesterday confirmed that the two high-ranking officials are expected to arrive in Guyana today ahead of the ceremony to be held at the pool.

Meanwhile Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony confirmed that the ministry will be officially declaring the warm-up pool open tomorrow.
Persaud expressed how honoured the association is to have the officials here.
“I am very happy (about the officials coming) and glad that I am fortunate enough to be the president (of the association) at the time when this is happening.” Persaud said.
In addition to attending tomorrow’s opening ceremony at the pool the officials are also expected to attend the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), and will have the opportunity to view the developing talent of some of the Guyanese swimmers when they attend the annual GASA Mashramani Swim Meet this Saturday and Sunday.
The officials are also expected to make stops on the Minister of Sport and the Director of Sport Neil Kumar to discuss the development of swimming in Guyana.
Commenting on the completion of the warm-up pool, Persaud related that the association is happy that it is one step closer to having a facility where regional and international events can be hosted, though he noted there are still some steps to go before the hosting of international events can become a reality.
“We are very happy to get this warm-up pool, it comes at a very opportune time when we are doing much more for swimmers so this will mean a lot for us now that we only have a few more prerequisites to complete before we can host international events.” Persaud related.
According to Persaud in order to host international events the pool will still need to be equipped with electronic timings, among other things. However he is very hopeful that all things will come with time.
Construction on the 25-metre warm-up pool first began in September 2013.