A collaboration unfolded as World Aquatics, GFH Financial Group (GFH) and the Bahrain Swimming Association laid the foundation stone for a new World Aquatics Federation Centre of Excellence at Bahrain University of Technology in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event took place on 4 January and was attended by local authorities, team members and athletes. 

Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, first Vice President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, acknowledged that the construction of this modern facility brings Bahrain closer to becoming a reference point for water sports. He congratulated the partners involved in this project, which he expects to become a "prominent global sports centre". 

Mr Hisham Alrayes, CEO of the GFH Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bahrain University of Technology, is proud for being part of this initiative. He highlighted its role in attracting the global aquatics community to Bahrain. He underlined the commitment of the GFH and the Bahrain University of Technology to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a prominent regional centre for talent development, particularly in the field of sport.

The common desire is to continue to grow and develop for the benefit of the athletes themselves," he said. Alrayes expressed his gratitude for the choice of Bahrain University of Technology as a partner and location for this extraordinary project, which will be one of the most advanced aquatic sports facilities in the world. 

The centre, which broke ground on 4 January, is the first of its kind for World Aquatics in the Middle East and joins a network of existing centres in Antibes, France; Budapest, Hungary; Toronto, Canada; Davie, Florida, USA; Phuket, Thailand; and Gold Coast, Australia. The latest developments will be showcased and the facility will provide elite athletes with the latest in training, supported by the latest in sports science. 

The project will include two swimming pools, a 50m pool and a 5m diving pool, both built to Olympic specifications. The public will also play an important role in the construction of a 1,000-seat grandstand for future competitions. Various support facilities such as comfortable accommodation, restaurants and shops will foster a sense of community for those fortunate enough to live and train here. It will become a miniature city in its own right.

Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa highlighted the huge potential of the International Centre of Excellence to host swimmers from Bahrain and abroad. He highlighted the important genesis of the project, making it one of the most successful collaborations with the private sector in the field of sport. He also stresses the commitment of the national Olympic Committee to strengthen the partnership with the World Aquatics, in collaboration with the GFH Group. 

Husain Al Musallam, President of the World Aquatics Federation, said: "With today's groundbreaking, we, together with our partners, we are laying a solid foundation for the future of aquatics in the Middle East. By establishing a regional presence in Bahrain and launching this Centre of Excellence, we will significantly improve the way we serve competitors around the world. 

At the same time, we will be preparing the next generation of aquatics stars and elite coaches. This modern and advanced centre will not only enhance the skills of competitors, but will also cement Bahrain's position as an ideal and prestigious destination for hosting international aquatics events".