Singapore on Monday opened an aquatic center at its new $1B sports hub and officials said that the "entire complex would be ready by late June despite teething problems," according to the AFP. Senior Minister of State for Communications & Information Lawrence Wong said that the "sprawling complex will be opened in stages, with test events held in the coming weeks to help resolve operational problems." Wong said at the opening of the 6,000-seat aquatic center, "We do not think it's wise to have a big bang, you really need a series of test events to work out all the teething issues." The center was "initially scheduled to open in mid-April." It is the first facility to be completed at the Singapore Sports Hub, a "35-hectare (86.5-acre) complex, which includes a 55,000-seat national stadium that features a retractable domed roof and innovative cooling system" (AFP, 5/19). In Singapore, May Chen reported members of the public can "also experience the aquatic centre from next month, when it goes through a series of soft events before it becomes fully operational." The 2nd Southest Asian Swimming Championships from June 14-26 will be the first int'l meet held there, while the venue is "also set to host world-class swimmers" from Sept. 5-7 during the Singapore Swim Stars (STRAITS TIMES, 5/19).
