Sarawak Chief Minister opens Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre

KUCHING: The Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre here was officially opened today by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The centre served as one of two centrepieces of the 2016 Malaysia Games (Sukma) and was renamed the Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in honour of Malaysia's diving queen who won silver and bronze medals in the 2016 and 2012 Olympics.
Abang Johari commended Pandelela for her past achievements and for making Sarawak and Malaysia proud of her feats both at national and international competitions.
He also commended Pandelela's parents for the support given to Pandelela to be what she is today.
Meanwhile Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Ong Kong Swee said since March 2017 the centre had been opened for public use, besides serving as a training and international competition facility.
"With the renaming of the centre from Sarawak Aquatic Centre to Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre we hope this will give Pandelela a boost for her preparations to the Tokyo Olympics 2020" he said.
"Having a better pool of world class athletes and highly qualified coaches and sports administrators in Sarawak is also another step in moving forward towards achieving Sport Powerhouse status especially becoming the nation's swimming power house," said Dr Ong
He said next year the aquatic centre will host several international events such as Master Swimming Championship, World Diving Series, World Paralympic Championships and also local aquatic competitions.
The facility consists of an Olympic-size competition pool, diving platforms, training and leisure pools. All pools were built in compliance with International Swimming Federation (FINA) standards and were approved by the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia.
At the function today, the chief minister presented a RM500,000 cash incentive to Pandelela.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Pandelela and her parents. — Bernama