Udupi: A swimming pool constructed at a cost of Rs 2 crore by the department of Youth Empowerment and Sports at the the District Sports Complex was inaugurated by Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha member, on Saturday, April 25.
The programme began with an invocation. Dr R Vishal, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district, welcomed the gathering.
In his message, Oscar Fernandes said that though the government allots funds for such facilities, it is up to the people to utilise them and reap the benefits. “Swimming is one of the best forms to keep the human body fit and perfect.” The MP also announced a financial aid of Rs 1 crore for the construction of Basket Ball courts in the government schools of the district.
Abhayachandra Jain, Minister for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Fisheries, also announced funds of Rs 1.35 crore for the construction of Tennis courts in the district on the occasion.
The swimming pool for seniors measures 25 meter long with a 22 meter width. The swimming pool for children is 10 meter long, 6 meter wide and 3 feet deep. The seniors swimming pool can be used for conducting district-level swimming competitions. Along with the swimming pool, 10 showers each have been constructed for men and women separately. A dressing room is also ready.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj presided over the function. Yuvaraj (CMC president), Amrithakrishna Moorthy (vice president), Janardhan Thonse (Chairman of UUDA), Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty (Deputy director for Sports and Youth empowerment) were present.