Udom flags off Olympic-sized swimming pool project

[FILES] Eket Stadium. Photo/FACEBOOK//MrUdomEmmanuel

Akwa Ibom begins remodelling of Uyo Stadium complex

Fresh from the completion of the new Eket Township Stadium, Governor Udom Emmanuel has flagged off the construction of a first-ever Olympic-sized swimming pool in Akwa Ibom State.

The facility, geared towards encouraging the state’s athletes to excel in swimming, is located at the Uyo Township Stadium, currently being remodelled.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, who led journalists on a tour of the stadium, said the directive for the construction of the swimming pool came from Governor Emmanuel, who also instructed that the stadium remodelling be completed urgently.

“His Excellency has directed that an Olympic-sized swimming pool be constructed in Uyo Township Stadium and he has also directed that the stadium be completed.

“We are in the era of his completion agenda and no project is going to be left uncompleted.”

Uko disclosed that the 13th biennial Police Games would be held in Akwa Ibom State from November 20, 2022.

“The Nigerian Police Force will have their sports competition in Akwa Ibom State. The governor has also graciously accepted to host the event.

“It is going to attract over 10,000 policemen and about 39 sporting events will be competed for in the state.”

The sports commissioner decried Akwa Ibom athletes’ abysmal performance in swimming events at national sporting competitions, adding, however, that with the construction of the swimming pool, their performance will improve tremendously.

“In the entire state, we do not have an Olympic-sized swimming pool and most of the time, when we go for sports festivals, swimming comes with a lot of medals and Akwa Ibom never had a place where athletes can