Northern Ireland Olympic Watersports Centre

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About the NIOWC Bid

Welcome to the Northern Ireland Olympic Watersports Centre -- the NIOWC! Here you can follow the progress of a bid to the Sport Northern Ireland for London 2012™ Olympic funding to create a premier watersports facility in Northern Ireland. The Centre will be based at Portadown, County Armagh, adjacent to the River Bann.

Phase One Proposals

  • An Olympic standard 2000m laned lake to support rowing, canoeing and triathlon swimming;
  • Full Paralympic and adpative rowing capability;
  • Moveable start pontoons for shorter-distance events;
  • Temporary canoe waterpolo pitches; and
  • A new-build headquarters and athlete centre.

Phase Two Proposals

  • An Olympic standard white-water canoe slalom course;
  • Dedicated canoe water polo pitches; and
  • Olympic standard outdoor and BMX cycling tracks.

Timescale

The three-stage bid process is continuing throughout 2007. Subject to successful award by the Sport Northern Ireland, construction next to the River Bann would commence in 2008. The facility and course must be complete by 2010 in order to demonstrate capability in hosting international competition events and holding camps in the lead up to the London 2012™ Olympic Games.