NEW CLARK CITY (PIA) -- About 17 members of the Israel Swimming Association are training at the New Clark City (NCC) Aquatics Center in preparation for Tokyo Olympics. 

Chargé d’ Affaires of the Israel Embassy in the Philippines Nir Balzam said NCC Aquatics Center’s world-class facilities and swimming pools, the scenery and time zone are best for the training and acclimatization of the Israeli swimming team. 

“I think it’s the perfect place to train and prepare yourself for the Olympics or any other championship. We might have the Israeli team coming next year as well hopefully,” Balzam stated. 

Also, swimmers and coaches lauded the facilities of the internationally certified swimming arena. 

“I travelled all around the world and saw thousands of aquatic complexes. New Clark City’s facility is among the best in the world,” former United States Olympic swimming coach and Israeli team professional adviser David Marsh noted.

For his part, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon highlighted the country’s opportunity to showcase NCC Aquatics Center and Athletics Stadium to the international athletics and swimming community. 

“The master plan of these facilities was to cater not only local athletes but also the international athletes. Training all year round is critical for athletes, and the constant climate all year round, beautiful scenery and world-class facilities are perfect for them,” Dizon stressed. 

Moreover, he cited the opportunity for our athletes and swimmers to see and learn from international athletes as they train at the NCC facilities.  

This is the first time that the Aquatics Center is hosting an event since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the country and the enforcement of community lockdowns.

The Israeli swimming team’s pre-Olympic training camp at NCC is hosted by BCDA, its subsidiary Clark Development Corporation, and Philippine Swimming Inc., the country’s governing body for aquatic sports. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)