Capas, Tarlac—The New Clark City Aquatic Center here has earned rave reviews from the 17-member Israel swimming team that is training for the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
“I travelled all around the world and saw thousands of aquatic complexes. New Clark City’s facility is among the best in the world!” said David Marsh, former US Olympic swimming coach and professional adviser of the Israeli team.
“It’s a really nice pool with really nice surrounding views. And the bright color of the pool makes it look even better. More importantly, I like how the pool is really fast. Thank you for having us here!” seconded Andrea Murez, 29-year-old swimmer for the 100-meter Freestyle.
The Israeli swimming team arrived at the NCC on Saturday, welcomed by officials of the BCDA, Clark Development Corporation and the Philippine Swimming Inc., the country’s governing body for aquatic sports.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon, also the deputy chief implementer of the country’s pandemic response, said their hosting of the Israel team will not only boost the Filipinos’ confidence in New Clark City’s world-class facilities, but also “showcase the capability of the country to recover from the pandemic.”
“We are thrilled yet humbled at the same time to host our friends from Israel in New Clark City’s first-ever sports bubble. Israel is one of the leading countries in the world for COVID-19 vaccination and response. So, for their athletes, coaches and officials to have the confidence to train in our country and at the Aquatics Center—that is truly a blessing,” Dizon said during a visit Thursday to the swimming facility.
Itay Goldfaden, 25-year-old representative for the 4×100-meter Mixed Medley Relay, said: “The swimming arena is one of the best pools I’ve ever seen. Good view, good weather. It’s definitely high quality. I would like to come here again someday.”
“Just really amazing facilities. I’m enjoying my time over here,” added Ron Polonsky, 20-year-old swimmer for the 200-meter Individual Medley.
Joining Dizon at the visit was Nir Balzam, Chargé d’Affaires of the Israel Embassy in the Philippines.
Training was observed from a safe distance that did not compromise the integrity of the training bubble.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to Sec. Vince, BCDA, and the Philippine government for being a true friend of Israel and also for hosting our swimmers. Having them here, training in this bubble setting where they can train freely, get acclimated to the region and the time zone, we really appreciate it,” Balzam said.
With a total seating capacity of 2,000, New Clark City Aquatics Center has a 10-lane competition pool, eight-lane training pool and a diving pool. It is the only Fédération Internationale de Nation-accredited swimming facility in the country.
“Since Tokyo and the Philippines have similar time zones (only one hour difference), the Israel team wanted to adjust as early as possible in preparation for the Olympics. Furthermore, the availability of world-class facilities made coming here more attractive,” said PSI President Lani Velasco.