Parapan Aquatics Centre Gets Rave Reviews

"We checked out the aquatics complex and it was exceptional."

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming technical delegate Julie O´Neill visited the Scotiabank Aquatics Centre in Guadalajara, Mexico last month to check on preparations ahead of November’s Parapan American Games.

More than 1,550 athletes from 25 countries are expected in Mexico later this year for one of the last major multi-sport events before London 2012. Around 220 athletes are expected to compete in the Swimming competition.

"It’s been a great visit," concluded American O´Neill. "We checked out the aquatics complex and it was exceptional. I liked the design; it is just what we are looking for the competitions."

Sub-Director of Logistics for the Parapan American Games Guadalajara 2011, Roberto Sanchez, said that O´Neill especially liked the fact that the aquatics centre has many offices that can facilitate the technical side of competitions.

"It is estimated that about 70 wheelchair-using athletes will be coming and the place was given the thumbs up," said Sanchez. "Fortunately, Julie (O´Neill) was able to see the complex almost finished. Only minor details remain and she was impressed with the place."

After the tour, the logistical side of the competition was discussed at length and details of the Swimming programme were fine tuned.