OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s like being poolside in Paris, diving into the excitement of the event.
North Central Florida residents will have an opportunity to watch their favorite Olympic aquatic sports: swimming, diving, artistic swimming (formerly known as synchronized swimming), and water polo this weekend as ‘France Comes to FAST!’
Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) center is hosting a watch party so you can show your enthusiasm and cheer on Olympians in an environment that celebrates water sports.
You’ll have two opportunities to do it. On Sunday, July 28, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., spectators can wear your country’s colors and watch the Olympic athletes compete.
“We had the Olympic trials in June for two hours in primetime every night, and obviously with the Olympics in the forefront every four years where for the better part of two weeks, you have all the Olympic sports in your face,” said Kevin Milak, FAST director of business development and training.
FAST is the perfect environment for introducing someone to aquatic sports, or to rekindle a previous passion, in the area’s preeminent venue for swimming.
“Hopefully by watching the Olympic coverage, it will get youth excited, and they’ll say, ‘This is something that I want to do with my life, or that might be a sport that I would be interested in pursuing,'” said Milak. “For adults, this may reinspire them. If they’re interested in getting their fitness back, to take up swimming again, run a marathon or a 10K, or compete in a triathlon.”
The television coverage and exposure for Olympic aquatic sport provides the community with a way to connect with the possibilities that exist locally. Milak says the venue at FAST is the ideal place for people who are thinking about more than just a dip in the pool.
“FAST’s biggest role is being able to facilitate some of that for the folks that do want to explore that avenue. Whether it is a 5-year-old who sees Olympic swimming on TV and says, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ Mom and dad start looking for swimming lessons or swim teams, or whatever avenue that’s going to take them.”
Several FAST Falcons competed at this year’s U.S. Olympic Trials and several Olympians got their start at the FAST pool. The FAST staff also boasts former Olympic coaches and competitors.
Milak says the depth of the programs at FAST provides athletes the opportunity to level up.
“People can literally walk through the door, and as long as they’re still working hard and they’re still improving, and there’s still a goal left to chase, they can continue to pursue that under our roof,” said Milak.
‘France Comes to FAST!’ is open to the public and FREE for FAST members. Non-members will pay $5 for kids, $10 for adults. The FAST facility is located at 4635 SW 6th Avenue Road. For more information, you can visit the FAST website.