MICHELLE SMITH is considered to be no different to any champion when it comes to lending support and giving something back to the sport. This is why expectations are high, both within and outside swimming, that the triple Olympic champion will consider competing in the major international meet, once more planned for the Leisureland complex in Salthill, Galway, early next year.
This major undertaking by the IASA has got to be appreciated. The association was aware of the mounting costs involved when deciding to continue its involvement with the big Galway attraction. IASA secretary Celia Millane understates a present-day reality by saying: "Top internationals of all sports now expect all their expenses to be met when they travel to overseas events." Perhaps she would have been much closer to the truth had she suggested that in fact a little more than expenses is necessary to lure the top competitors these days.
The IASA is in dire need of a major sponsorship deal particularly in the context of the Leisureland project.
During the gala's three previous years, Government funds have supplemented local fund-raising in Connacht and a lot of scraping by the IASA to accumulate the wherewithall for this ambitious venture. The high profile shortcourse gala is gradually finding its level as a major attraction on the European circuit.
An early indication from Michelle Smith of her possible involvement would prove a huge boost for the organisers and no doubt hasten the interest of hesitant sponsors.
The wheels will be put into motion this weekend to ensure that next year's three-day event, scheduled for February 28th and March 1st and 2nd, will be more successful than ever.
Already the Belgian Federation have shown an interest in having members of their Atlanta team competing in Galway.
Meanwhile the City of Dublin swim team will be striving to ensure success for its latest project that takes the form of a young teenagers gala in Dublin to celebrate Ireland's EU presidency. A `Young Euros meet' has been arranged for November 23rd and 24th. Guinness have given the lead to would-be sponsors in making their Watling Street pool available for the event.
