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Centre a good sport

Denise S. CahillWanneroo Times

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies and Premier Colin Barnett cut the ribbon, opening the new state-of-the-art facility in Mt Claremont.

The $33.73 million centre includes an indoor javelin-throwing facility, a five-lane runway, conditioning gym and recovery pools. The facility will be the main training hub for WAIS athletes.

"It is a spectacular facility, unrivalled by any other State," Ms Davies said.

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"Completion of the centre is timely as athletes vie for selection to represent Australia in the 2016 Rio Olympics."

Ms Davies highlighted the centre's focus on nurturing young athletes with facilities that include a sleep zone, kitchen and study area.

"They will have access to psychologists and nutritionists. Athletes need to live a balanced life," she said.

Unlike the old building, the centre is fully accessible to paralympic athletes and wheelchair users.

WAIS works with 250 athletes across 11 dedicated sporting programs including cycling, swimming, track and field, gymnastics and hockey.

Ms Davies said the world-class centre "raises the bar" for WA athletes.

This was certainly the case for two pole-vaulters testing out the indoor facilities.

Describing the centre as "extraordinary," Mr Barnett said he was impressed with the new hydrotherapy pools. "Im sure these will be a welcome change for our athletes, who used to conduct recovery sessions in wheelie bins filled with ice," he said.