Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell has given Swansea's sports facilities a glowing endorsement in the run-up to the UK School Games 2009.
Campbell, who won a gold medal with the British sprint relay team in Athens five years ago, says the Wales National Pool and the University Sports Centre are up there with the very best of their kind.
The School Games are being staged in Wales in September time with Swansea hosting the judo and swimming competitions.
Hundreds of athletes, coaches and fans are expected to descend on the city in what will be a further boost to the local economy.
Campbell, age 35, said: "Having lived in South Wales for many years, I feel well-placed to talk about the sporting facilities here and they will give the competitors the best the UK has to offer. All the athletes have to do now is to compete at the Games to the very best of their abilities."
The UK School Games is a multi-sport event for the most talented school age athletes in the country that's been set up to replicate the feel of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will be held every year until 2012 and will include opening and closing ceremonies as well as village-style accommodation for the athletes. Gymnastics, cycling, volleyball, hockey and fencing are among the other sports included.
Swansea Council, Cardiff Council and Newport Council submitted a successful collective bid to host the event with financial backing from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "A wide variety of events take place every summer in Swansea as part of the Swansea Bay Summer Festival but the UK School Games 2009 will bring even more visitors to the area. Swansea's offer as a destination for sports tourism is now better than ever before thanks to the city's range of outstanding facilities and the outdoor activities that are available on Gower and beyond. The Games will further put Swansea on the map and will be an added boost to local traders and tourism operators."
Jane Draper, Wales National Pool manager, is looking forward to welcoming some of the best young swimmers in the country. She said: "Great Britain had a very successful Olympic Games in the pool in Beijing last year with youngsters such as Rebecca Adlington really coming to the fore. It's a very encouraging time for British swimming and I'm sure there'll be several swimmers coming to Swansea to compete in September who'll be in the frame to win medals in London in three years time. The UK School Games will give local people the chance to spot some of the best upcoming stars with their own eyes."
Take a peek at www.ukschoolgames.com for more information about the UK School Games 2009.
City and County of Swansea - 7 July 2009
