Photo by Singapore Sports Hub
Venues within the Singapore Sports Hub have become synonymous with hosting major tournaments and competitions, thanks to their world-class facilities. The National Stadium pitch, fit for international football matches, and the Singapore Indoor Stadium, which has witnessed remarkable events like the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, stand as prime examples. Among these exceptional venues is the OCBC Aquatic Centre, where aquatic sports take centre stage.
The OCBC Aquatic Centre was built in accordance with the guidelines of the International Swimming Federation or better known as FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation or now known as World Aquatics). FINA or World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports and oversees various disciplines including swimming, diving, water polo, open water swimming and synchronised swimming. When a facility or event is FINA certified, it signifies that it adheres to the specific technical and safety requirements established by FINA. This certification ensures that competitions held at the facility or using the equipment will meet international standards, providing fair and safe conditions for athletes and participants. Naturally, professional athletes have used this as their training ground, but amateur water waddlers will be happy to know that the venue is also open to the general public.
The OCBC Aquatic Centre features an Olympic-sized competition pool that comprises of ten 50-metre lanes which go up to 3 metres deep, and a training pool featuring eight 50-metre lanes that are up to 2 metres deep. You can aim for your personal best or simply enjoy leisurely laps in either pool to unwind. A popular choice for many aspiring swimmers across all levels, it is open daily from 7am to 9:30pm including public holidays. Alongside these, there is also a 25-metre diving pool accessible only to professionals.
An important feature of the OCBC Aquatic Centre is that it allows you to enjoy your water sport rain or shine as all pools are sheltered. The large facility that has a regular capacity of 3,000 spectators and up to 6,000 when expanded, hosting major events such as the 28th SEA Games aquatics disciplines and the Citi Para Swimming World Series Singapore 2023 that took place earlier this year. It is also home to Singapore Aquatics, the National Sports Association governing water-related sports such as swimming and water polo in Singapore.
More recently in July this year, a star-studded United States swimming team trained at the premises before leaving for the World Aquatics Championships. Some lucky fans even got to meet with them while they were here!
With the World Aquatics Championships slated to be held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre in 2025, Singapore will be the first country in Southeast Asia to host the premier biennial event. The Championships will bring together six major water sports, namely water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open water swimming and high diving, welcoming more than 2,500 athletes from 209 countries!
As we anticipate this momentous event, all are welcome to visit the OCBC Aquatic Centre and to explore the array of programmes available for all ages – from Aqua Fitness Classes, Swimming Lessons, Artistic Swimming and Learn To Dive. Regardless of the weather, you can be assured of some splish-splash delight!
