The £22million Aquatics Centre has secured a three year sponsorship for its diving programme, thanks to a subsea specialist.
Aquatic Engineering and Construction picked up the tab for the Diving Development programme, which was formed to encourage youngsters to realise their diving potential.
A talent search identified 200 budding North East divers, of which 64 have been invited to partake in the programme.
David Beattie, chief executive at ASV, said: “Securing sponsorship for our Diving Development programme is absolutely fantastic news. The programme is part of our long standing ethos to provide sporting opportunity for all, and we are excited to have already seen such potential in local school children.
“The Aquatics Centre enables us to give those of all ages the chance to learn and partake in a range of water based sports, with elite level diving having not previously been an option. We firmly believe that it is such an exciting time for the North East sporting scene and, with the support of Aquatic, we look forward to fostering home-grown talent.”
Bi-weekly coaching sessions will commence when the centre opens on May 5.
Colin Barry, vice president of Finance at Aquatic, added: “The Aquatics Centre is modular, flexible and a centre of excellence, mirroring our own values perfectly; we have the opportunity to invest in some of the finest local young people to become the very best at their sport. Aquatic is delighted to be able to support and participate in the success of a local, high profile venture that the whole community can share.”