AusLeisure

The South Australian Government has announced the YMCA as the preferred operator of the State's new $100 million aquatic and leisure centre.

The announcement comes as the final touches are being made to the aquatic facilities, in preparation for the centre hosting its first event, the Australian 2011 Age Championships in April.

The new centre has been is designed to host both national and international aquatic events, bringing elite aquatic sport back to South Australia.

YMCA spokesperson Peter Schwarz explained that the 'Y' was honoured to be partnering with the South Australian Government and was looking forward to building relationships with both state and community organisations interested in using the centre's facilities.

Schwarz explained "the Centre is here for everyone, from recreational and community users to the elite. We're really excited about the prospect of having both our current and future champions of swimming, diving and water polo, training and performing at the centre.

"We're now very focused on getting everything in place to open the doors of the South Australian State Aquatic Centre to the community and the world."

The South Australian State Aquatic Centre has already been announced as the host for six sporting events, showcasing the centre to both Australian and international athletes.

The FINA compliant centre will be included in Swimming South Australia's bid to host the 2012 Olympic swimming trials, which would bring Australia's swimming stars back to the state for the first time in almost 15 years.

The $100 million facility includes a 52 metre swimming pool, 55 metre water polo and diving pool, fixed and springboard diving platforms, two thermal hydro spas, one polar chilled hydro spa as well as two giant waterslides and a well-equipped health club and group fitness studio.

Schwarz added "we'll introduce a number of programs at the centre to cater for people of all ages and abilities, helping to realise the shared vision of the South Australian Government and the YMCA to build a healthier, stronger and happier community."

The project is funded by the South Australian Government in association with the City of Marion and the Australian Government.

The YMCA Australia has also announced the appointment of Peter Malone as its interim Chief Executive following the resignation of Katherine Pengilly after just six months in the post.

Malone has agreed to take leave from his employer and has stepped down from the National Board to take on this interim appointment until a permanent Chief Executive is recruited.

7th March 2011 - RECRUITMENT BEGINS AT SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE AQUATIC CENTRE

22nd Febraury 2011 - SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AQUATIC CENTRE SET TO MAKE A BIG SPLASH

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