"Dolphin Pool"
Specialized Children's and Youth Sports School of Olympic Reserve "Dolphin". In November 1957, the first winter swimming pool in Central Asia with a 25-meter main pool with five swimming lanes and a 20-meter small pool was put into operation in the capital of the Kyrgyz SSR. The opening of "Dolphin" became a catalyst for the development of swimming sports in the republic. Athletes from the Kyrgyz SSR were given the opportunity to train year-round for the first time, thus outpacing their competitors from other Central Asian countries, which did not have such opportunities at that time. Within a few years, the republic surged ahead and came closer to the highest achievements of swimmers worldwide.
Among the former students of "Dolphin" are true legends - Master of Sports of the Soviet Union, European and USSR record holder Akhmed Anarbaev, Master of Sports of the USSR, member of the Union swimming team, medalist in competitions in Norway, GDR, FRG, and England Andrey Dremin, participant of the Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney, World Cup medalist, silver medalist of the CIS Youth Games Sergey Ashikhmin. This list could go on for a long time. Over the years of its existence, "Dolphin" has become a forge of hundreds of young talents. Until relatively recently, more than 300 professional swimmers and pentathletes trained here for free. The pool was also open to ordinary citizens. There was a discount system that allowed all segments of the population to visit the pool. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War could swim for free. Every third child from a large family was guaranteed a free pass, and students and schoolchildren practiced sports here. "Dolphin" was the only sports complex that started its operations at 6 a.m.
Today, the building, which has the status of a historical, cultural, and architectural monument, presents a sad sight. Nothing remains of its former grandeur; traces of destruction are visible everywhere. Those who once trained in these halls would hardly recognize them now. Until recently, swimming was still possible here. Today, only the gym operates, where swimmers and pentathletes train. The water in the pools is regularly changed, but no longer for swimming; it is done to prevent them from freezing in winter and drying out in summer. During rains, the administration of "Dolphin," like a submarine crew, fights for buoyancy. A significant part of the pool's roof remains uncovered. Gaping holes in the ceiling reveal the sky. Students of the Sports School of Olympic Reserve are forced to train in the rented pool of School No. 69. The Olympic reserve school is on the brink of survival. Its director, Master of Sports of the USSR, distinguished physical education and sports specialist Igor Airovetov, who has devoted most of his life to "Dolphin," is doing everything possible to preserve what remains.
Address: M. Guardii, 2
Phone: +996-(312)654705
