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Build it and they will come
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Posted on Aug 18 2005
A recent article in the papers was so right about the need for the new pool given the success our athletes in Palau. But the need goes far beyond just improving the conditions for our athletes. It extends to the very heart of our economy.
Building a new swimming and diving facility that is capable of being a training center will open the door for MVA to expand their marketing across a broader range of potential visitors. The summer athletes in Asia often travel to other destinations during the winter to train. An Olympic pool with diving facilities coupled with the new track that already exist will make the CNMI a very appealing place as a winter training ground for these summer athletes.
We may even be able to get other countries in Asia to help build the facility by offering “free” access to their Olympic athletes. Our own athletes will gain valuable knowledge and expertise by mere association, which will also help improve our athletes.
It is becoming very apparent that the CNMI’s first gold in the Olympics might be in swimming if we can continue to help our athletes improve themselves. We need to build the pool and we don’t have to do it alone. We call it building partnerships—we have the location and they have the cash. The potential dividends are infinite new sources for additional income to the CNMI.
Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman High School
