Michaelhouse-Impact Report-2023 (for Jan-Dec 2022)

New Project: Indoor Aquatics Centre

Why put a Roof on the Pool?

Aquatics at Michaelhouse could be a world-class sport. The unpredictable and cold Midlands weather is keeping us from reaching our full potential. By covering the pool with a FINA-compliant roof,that can accommodate solar panels ,we could have an aquatics centre that can be used all-year-round, heated by green energy. A school asset of this calibre would attract both local and international talent. 78% of training sessions in the 4 th Term of 2022 were cancelled due to lightning.The boys in all age groups ended up with more match time than practice time. In the winter, it is icy cold and very expensive to keep the pool heated using electricity generated by coal power. In the summer we have frequent lightning storms and unseasonal cold weather snaps, that all too regularly cancel training and inter-school matches. A covered, FINA spec’d facility at a safe location in the secluded KwaZulu-Natal Midlands would attract local and international teams who could use Michaelhouse as a training base for a multitude of

water sports, including swimming, waterpolo and underwater hockey. This new enclosed aquatric centre could also host professional league fixtures and tournaments. A new source of income generation would be created.

Watch Master in Charge of Waterpolo, Justin McDougall, make the case for an Indoor Aquatics Centre

A roof over the pool also has the potential to create a dedicated area for another solar energy solution for the school. Together with the current solar array on the Indoor Centre roof, any additional solar will significantly contribute to the aim of Michaelhouse becoming energy independent and self-sufficient in the near future. The design and engineering drawings have been completed and are accompanied by visuals of the design proposed. Now the campaign to raise the funding is underway. Within one month of the capital needed being secured - hopefully during 2023 - the necessary construction will commence. We anticipate that it will take 5-7 months to complete the build. If you’d like to contribute or learn more, get in touch

with the fundraising team on: devoffice@michaelhouse.org

A FINA-compliant covered aquatic centre will provide:

750m 2 of roof space will be available for the solar panels to contribute to the school’s energy independence plan

z A weatherproof covered facility for boys to swim and play water polo safely throughout the school year without cancellations , while reducing the risk of lightning and UV rays. z A venue for a multitude of water sports and cardiovascular activities for Michaelhouse, other local schools and aquatic organisations. z The Michaelhouse brand enhancement that will come with a FINA spec’d facility will: { make Michaelhouse a more appealing choice for gifted swimmers and water polo players who want year-round training and competition.

{ create the ability to host professional league fixtures/tournaments and a training camp venue for international teams. Revenue-generating opportunities assist with facility maintenance and contribute to minimising increases in school fees.

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