School children make history at Sunderland Aquatic Centre

School children made history at the spectacular £22million Sunderland Aquatic Centre this week when they became the first to officially take the plunge ahead of the 50 metre pool's official opening on April 18.

Twenty-nine 9 and 10 year olds from Redby Primary School in Fullwell, Sunderland, were the very first swimmers in the 50m pool at Sunderland's brand new Aquatic Centre after their school was the lucky winner of a draw organised by Sunderland City Council.
   
The youngsters were not only the first people to officially test the pool but were also be the first to enjoy the new 25m inflatable which will be used regularly during family fun sessions at the Aquatic Centre.

Councillor Mel Speding, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:  "It was great to see the pool actually in use and we were delighted that the first people to enjoy the water were local school children.

"It is important to us that people see the centre as a place where families can have fun and get fit together.

"We are very proud of this superb centre and know we will attract athletic talent from across the region and further afield, but first and foremost it belongs to local people to use for their enjoyment and leisure."

Head teacher, Val Shield, said  "It's fantastic!  We are all absolutely delighted and very proud that our year 5 pupils were the first to enjoy the pool.

"It was a difficult decision to make to choose who should go, but it was class Y5S's turn for their next swimming lesson so it was only fair they should be the ones to visit new centre for this wonderful experience".

The Centre is officially open to the public from Friday April 18 after a spectacular free public launch event the evening before.