New community sports centre Sandys 360 is aiming to help train the Island's next top athletes.

There is also hope that the facility will help children excel in their studies math and English classes are taught to increase SAT scores and improve college scholarship chances.

According to Keith Tucker, the 25-metre swimming pool in particular will encourage young Bermudians to reach higher levels in sport.

Some of the community's future athletes have already been identified, said Mr. Tucker, the centre's after-school and camp director.

"We have been identifying some really talented kids," he said. "The skills are here. We can see the potential once you put a time clock next to them.

"From that exposure we may be getting our Olympians, but right now we are looking just to get them in to college and seeing where they can go from there."

The sport, aquatic and recreation centre located on Broome Street in Sandys, will open its doors on September 12.

It will be used by students at Sandys Secondary Middle School for health, physical education, fitness, dance and aquatics training.

The facilities will also be made available to schools in the Western parishes including: West End Primary, Somerset Primary, Delton Tucker Primary, Port Royal Primary, Heron Bay School, Purvis Primary and T.N. Tatem Middle School.

An estimated 2,000 students will have access to the facilities, which were in small part funded by donations from the community.

In total the facility cost $10,149,000, which was obtained by a large bank loan and a $1 million Government grant. A further $1,824,000 is needed.

Even those that aren't able to compete on a professional level, are still provided with a great outlet for learning and socialising. Sandys 360 offers a basketball and volleyball court, weight training and elliptical equipment, as well as instructional programmes like pilates and Tae Bo. The centre also plans to host seminars on varied topics, like 'Consumerism', 'Loneliness' and 'Quitting a Job'.

Mr. Tucker said: "I think it will create a lot of opportunity. It will bring the community together. Right now we are driving across everyone, but here you can get to know your neighbour."

He added: "This is going to bring Somerset together."

For more information or Sandys 360 or to make a donation telephone 234-6195.