The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage has acquired a 50-metre and a 25-metre pool, which will be utilised for the United States Olympic trials in Indiana this summer and then re-installed in Grand Cayman as a part of the new Cayman Islands Aquatic Centre.

The pools were acquired from Myrtha Pools, a leading company specialising in designing and constructing pools and aquatic facilities globally. The direct award for the Aquatic Centre pools was confirmed in December last year on Bonfire, the Cayman Islands Government procurement platform.

The Aquatic Centre will be developed closely with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) and other key stakeholders. The aim of the facility will be to elevate not only athletic and competitive swimming but also increase community, recreational and rehabilitation opportunities for the Cayman Islands. The pools will provide for up to 30 swim lanes, a significant increase to the 6 lanes currently available at the Lions Pool. 

The Lions Pool has served the Cayman Islands community for almost four decades, providing training and competitive ground for our elite swimmers representing the Cayman Islands over the years. In the long-term, the project also includes plans for dormitory facilities.

In commenting on the importance of the acquisition, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Heritage, Hon. Isaac Rankine stated that the Aquatic Centre will become a hub for sports and recreation in the Cayman Islands, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for athletes to excel.

“It aligns with our Ministry’s priority and reflects the Government’s commitment in the 2024-2026 Strategic Policy Statement to utilise sports to enhance the lives of our people. With a rich heritage cultivated on the waters by our seamen and ship builders, it is no surprise that we continue to take to the water and promote excellence in this sport. I would also like to recognize and acknowledge Parliamentary Secretary, Bernie Bush for his commitment and in establishing the ground work on this project prior to my appointment as Minster responsible for Sports”, he said. 

President of the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association Steve Broadbelt expressed his enthusiasm noting, “CIASA and the Cayman Islands Government have been working hard on the Aquatic Centre project and we are excited about the significant milestones that have been achieved within the last few months. Specifically, CIASA endorses the Ministry’s decision to select Myrtha Pools to provide the pool structures and technologies of Olympic and World Aquatics standards for this new facility. Myrtha Pools are the industry leaders in creating millimetric precise competition pools that provide a lower operating cost and a longer lifespan than traditional installations. The Myrtha brand will bring confidence and credibility to Cayman when bidding to host international competitions, such as CARIFTA.”

The Cayman Islands has demonstrated its strength, capacity and ever-growing force in the swimming arena. Although a small country, Cayman’s representation and ability at regional and global events continues to grow. 

Procurement for other aspects of the pool is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Further details on the Myrtha modular pool system can be obtained at https://www.myrthapools.com/en/