Mangaluru, Dec 19: St Aloysius College inaugurated the much awaited swimming pool of Olympic standards, on 19 December 2016 on its campus in the heart of the city.
A project of the UGC, St. Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA) and MJES (Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society), this swimming pool is equipped with state-of- the-art-features and facilities. The chief guest for the occasion was U T Khader, Minister of Food & Civic Supplies, Government of Karnataka.
The large pool was inaugurated by the National level swimming athletes of St. Aloysius Institutions, flagged by Mr Khader. Mr. Terence D'Sa, Alumnus of the 1964 batch flagged the swimmers to inaugurate the baby pool. The dignitaries on the dais celebrated the opening of the pool, by releasing a bunch of balloons into the sky. Thes wimming pool complex was later inaugurated by Mr Khader, along with the other dignitaries by the symbolic cutting of the ribbon.
The chief guest, in his address stated “If you strengthen the education system, you can strengthen the country” and reminisced on his days spent in the institution. He said, “South Canara is today, an education haven because St. Aloysius Institutions have contributed to this field from generations”. He also said that St. Aloysius College has contributed so much to the educational field that wherever you go, you will find an Aloysian.
J R Lobo, Member of the Legislative Assembly, in his speech said that an institution of excellence will be called an institution of excellence when even the last student can unfurl their talents. “This institution will go a long way to generate national and international swimmers in the future”, he said. He put in that the students of this institution have made their name all over the world.
Ivan D'Souza, Chief Whip, Karnataka Legislative Council, in his address asserted that India is lacking basic infrastructure in the sports field and providing students with these facilities will help nurture their athletic talents, ensuring their eligibility and participation in several International and Olympic games. He stated that commitment and strong will power are two important driving forces in achieving success.
Sri Abhayachandra Jain, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said he would appeal to Mr Khader, to help fund and construct more swimming pools in Mangaluru.
J. Alexander, Governing Body Member proclaimed that any Mangalorean cannot forget the contribution made by St. Aloysius College to this part of South Canara. Praising the efforts of MJES he said, “The swimming pool is the fulfilment of the collective dream of the Jesuits”. He also said that it is not just marks but overall development of the student that is required for excellence.
Rev Dr. Jerome Stanislaus D'Souza SJ, Provincial, Karnataka Jesuit Province, presided over the function and also conducted a prayer session to invoke blessings upon the swimming pool and it's complex.
Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Rev. Fr. Dionysius Vaz SJ, Rector, St. Aloysius Institutions; Sri Terence D'sa, Alumnus of the 1964 batch; Sri Archibald Menezes, President, SACAA; Sri N G Mohan, Chairman of the Pool Committee; Rev Fr. Swebert D'Silva SJ, Principal, St. Aloysius College also graced the occasion with their presence.
About the Swimming Pool
St. Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA) along with the Grants sanctioned by the UGC helped fund the construction process of this pool which came up to an estimated cost of 8 crores. St Aloysius College's new pool, the first of its kind in the region, of Olympic standards, will be a boon to the city as it will be able to host major events that require national or international standards.
The pool, which is 50 meters long and 25 meters wide with a baby pool and other necessary infrastructure is suited to host major national and international aquatic events and is a first of its kind in the region.
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