Venue for swimming Euros begins transformation

The Complexo Olimpico de Piscinas da Penteada in Funchal, Portugal, has begun its transformation into the venue for the 2016 IPC Swimming European Championships which begin on 30 April.

The state-of-the-art venue on the island of Madeira, opened in 2004, will host more than 450 swimmers from 50 countries for the last major competition ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

A total of 152 gold medals will be on offer and live images of the competition will be beamed all around the world at Funchal2016.com.

The lighting in the stunning wooden ceiling is being upgraded to allow for the perfect broadcast conditions.

A huge cover will also be placed over the floor-ceiling windows behind the podium at the 50m start end of the pool to replicate the incredible views outside, but cut out the natural light shining through.

On the competition side, pictures published by the organisers, the Portuguese Swimming Federation, show the construction of the accessible starting platform where swimmers will take to the blocks or enter the pool to begin their races.

The competition lanes are also being created and other ramps and small infrastructure changes are being made in the building to ensure everyone can move around the venue easily.

Outside the venue, the road and pavements are being dug-up to build ramps, making it accessible for athletes, VIPs, media and the public.

Over the coming days more materials will begin to arrive on Madeira to finish preparations.

Live coverage and results of all seven days of competition, which runs until 7 April, will be available at Funchal2016.com.