Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, January 31, 2003

O'FALLON, MO - Senator Kit Bond today announced that he secured $1 million for the ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness Center in O'Fallon.

“The world-class center will allow thousands of Missourians with disabilities to take advantage of quality therapy and exercise," said Bond.

As chairman of the Senate VA-HUD Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, Bond secured $1 million in federal funds for construction of the ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness Center project in the fiscal year 2003 omnibus appropriations bill.

The project will build the most accessible, barrier-free, community-based exercise, rehabilitation, and recreation center in the United States. The 50,000 sq. ft indoor facility will include six pools of varying temperatures for therapy, fitness, lap swimming, leisure, lessons, professional training and education. Seven different ways to enter pools including ramps, lifts. Includes 10,000 sq ft. land fitness center, specialized accessible locker/changing facilities, general locker rooms, separate children’s locker room. Trained professional staff including therapists, exercise physiologists, personal trainers, aquatic specialists.

Founded in 1999, ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness is a non-profit organization designed to promote health, fitness, and quality of life through therapy and physical activity. ShowMe Aquatic's mission is to provide an accommodating, accessible and barrier-free environment for people with disabilities.

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.