MONTREAL — Swimming Canada says a contingency plan for the Olympic and Paralympic trials is in the works following the extended closure of the Olympic pool in Montreal.
The national trials — selection of Canada's swimming team for this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris — were scheduled for May 13-19 in the Olympic pool.
However, the Olympic Park announced on Wednesday that the sports complex will remain closed for between four and six months due to a fire that broke out on March 21.
Swimming Canada says it intends to keep the same dates and is focusing on holding the trials at an alternative location in the Montreal area.
“We know that day-to-day plans for the Olympic and Paralympic year are made months in advance. We are also aware that with trials less than six weeks away, participants have now booked travel to and accommodations in Montreal,” Susan Pullins, acting CEO of Swimming Canada, said in a statement. “.
“We are diligently working on contingency plans to hold the event in Montreal on the scheduled dates of May 13-19.”
The competition venue must have a 50-meter pool, sufficient capacity for participants and spectators, and allow the event to be broadcast.
The governing body will meet with key partners in the coming days to determine next steps and hopes to share a detailed plan next week.
“We know that our athletes are resilient and adaptable, and so are our staff,” Bullins said. “We are doing everything we can to minimize disruption, and we are confident in our ability to deliver a top-class swimming meet that will qualify us for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September. 8.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2024.
Canadian Press
