RICHMOND, Virginia, April 24. THE Poseidon Swimming Foundation announced that it has purchased the two pools that will be used during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. Swimmers hoping to make the U.S. Olympic team and represent the United States in Beijing for the Summer Games will compete in these pools – a 50 meter competition pool and a 50 meter plus 25 meter off shoot, warm-up pool – beginning June 29. The pools will be transported from Omaha and permanently installed in a state-of-the-art, full-scale aquatics center as part of a regional sports complex planned for Chesterfield County. The complex, a collaboration between Poseidon Swimming and the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club, will also feature four lighted turf soccer fields and two lighted natural grass fields.
“The acquisition of these special pools brings our vision of a community sports complex closer to reality,” said Mary Doswell, president of the Poseidon Swimming Foundation. “This complex, which will include world-class swimming and soccer facilities, will provide a place for our area youth to extend the development of the mind, body and spirit.”
The U.S. Olympic Trials pools purchased by Poseidon Swimming Foundation are manufactured by Myrtha Pools U.S.A./A&T Europe S.p.a. The stainless steel and PVC construction makes for lifelong durability. Athletes have set 29 world records in Myrtha pools since 2004, and more records are expected to be set during the Omaha Olympic Trials.
“This is our first project in the mid-Atlantic region,” said Kevin McGrath, CEO of Myrtha Pools U.S.A. “We are pleased that Poseidon Swimming will use these pools to the benefit of swimmers of all ages in Central Virginia and see winners created for years to come.”
Jim Holland, Dale District Supervisor, said, “Chesterfield County is thrilled to have Myrtha’s 2008 Olympic Trials pools to complement this new aquatics facility. I am excited that this regional sports complex will allow both Poseidon and the Kickers to continue teaching life skills, teamwork and character development to children through active participation in youth sports.”
The complex will be located at the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Route 10. Construction is expected to begin later in 2008.
Poseidon’s aquatics center will allow the Richmond region to host state, regional and national level swimming competitions on a year-round basis, generating revenue for the area and making Richmond a destination for athletes from across the country. The center will provide seating for more than 850 spectators. The aquatics center will enable numerous Richmond-area residents to take advantage of learn-to-swim and water safety programs, aquatic sports and competitive swimming. The Poseidon Swimming organization, now headquartered in Midlothian with approximately 220 swimmers, is expected to grow considerably upon completion of the new center.