Anyone who gets the Cardiff Post through their doors this week will be happy to read the front article in the paper about the white water course, for those that dont get it can read it below:


WHITE WATER RAFTING SET FOR THE BAY

An olympic standard white water rafting and canoe slalom complex is set to be built in Cardiff Bay at the cost of £6.75m.

Executive councillors will next week approve plans for development, which could see the course used for the 2012 London Olympics or by athletes training for the games.

They are being recommended to choose the international sports village site in Ferry Rd rather than the historic Mount Stuart Graving Docks on the water front.

Corporate director Tom Morgan said: "Olympic white water canoe events could be held in cardiff if this facility is built and it is also expected to provide a suitable venue to international teams for training camps.

"the site would be the only Olympic standard pumped white water venue in the uk and would be expected to host other national and international competitions. It would become a visitor attraction in its own right."

The British and Welsh Canoe Unions have agreed in principle to provide funding of up to £500,000 with a similar tourism grant also likely to be available.

Other funding would come from harbour authority while a bid will be made for funding under the UK Government's initiative for centres of sporting excellence.

The centres first competitors could be welcomed in 2010.

Richard Harvey, chief executive of the Welsh Canoe Association, said they had looked at both possible sites but favoured the sports village option, although both offered tremendous opportunities for the sport.

He said: "it is a more attractive proposition in attracting large events and competitions. The sports village area would make the site economically viable, visible and marketable."