CONTRARY to reports that were peddled around the swimming fraternity, which stated that Director of Sport Neil Kumar had not given permission for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) to use the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) at Liliendaal for their annual Mashramani Meet, Kumar sternly said it’s not so. “I want to make it clear that at no time at all, have I ever stopped GASA from using the National Aquatic Centre for their Mashramani Meet. In fact, they have been using that facility all the time and all I have requested from them was an update on certain information,” said Kumar.
He said the information required included arrangements for the use of the pool along with an update on the number of clubs with a timetable on the use of the NAC, so we can work out a schedule.
At the opening of the NAC, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said, “The National Aquatic Centre will be providing several services to the country, by being the home of the national swimming team to execute their elite programmes, while being available to other associations for swimming programmes.
“It will also assist with the development of swimming in schools, be strength and conditioning area for other sports associations apart from GASA, host national, regional and international swim meets and offer courses for persons desirous of becoming officials in the field of swimming.”
Referring to same, Kumar said he would never impede GASA or any other sports associations on independent bodies from using the NAC.
“GASA, is responsible, inter alia for promoting and encouraging the development of swimming, masters swimming, open water swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming throughout Guyana in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of FINA and acts as the governing body for all sports disciplines under the jurisdiction of FINA in Guyana, so why would I stop them from using the NAC?” stated Kumar.
He added, “I think I have a great relationship with GASA, so I don’t know how they can go about the place saying what was said, which is not true. They have persons making irregular visits and using the pool and that is not in keeping with what we asked of them, but not even that would see me in my capacity as Director of Sport, prevent them from using the NAC.”
Alluding to the fact that the meet, which splashed off yesterday and will run until Sunday, will go ahead as scheduled by GASA, following the intervention of Dr Anthony, Kumar said he is looking forward to witnessing the action in person and wishes GASA all the success in hosting the tournament.