POOR WATER QUALITY FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF PREP/PRIMARY SCHOOLS SWIM MEET

November 8, 2002..This morning, The Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) had to postpone the Prep/Primary School Meet because of the poor water quality in the National Stadium Pool. Five hundred and eight (508) very disappointed swimmers from twenty-two (22) Prep and Primary Schools were unable to compete in the fifty-two (52) events scheduled for the one-day competition.

The decision to postpone the competition was made after ASAJ President John Eyre and representatives from the schools made an assessment of the pools condition. The fluctuating quality of the water in the National Stadium Pool continues to be a serous problem despite numerous meetings and discussions in recent years with the Facilities Managers, INSPORT.

In a statement to the schools representatives, President John Eyre indicated that the poor water quality appears to be related to a deterioration of the pools filtration system and an inadequate maintenance programme. He indicated that the condition of the pool had been evaluated as marginal yesterday evening and that maintenance personnel had assured him that those conditions would improve overnight. Instead a significant deterioration occurred.

The National Stadium Pool is scheduled to host the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, April 19-21, 2003. The Championships are expected to be the largest ever as Synchronized Swimming and Waterpolo will be included for the first time. While expressing frustration with the ongoing problems, the ASAJ President remains optimistic that the Government will restore the pool to a condition acceptable for international competition. Whatever this entails, he hopes that the Government would consult with the Swimming Association to ensure minimum dislocation to the National Swimmers preparation.

The ASAJ Prep Schools Swim Meet will now be held on Friday November 15, 2002.