Target Set to Develop National-Level Swimmers in Two Years

Shillong, July 25 — True North Leisure Centre has once again raised the bar for swimming and fitness in Meghalaya with the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art facility in Lapalang. The premier centre was unveiled by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma this evening, marking a major milestone in the state’s sporting and wellness infrastructure.

Seven years after revolutionizing indoor swimming with the Mission Compound heated pool—Meghalaya’s first all-weather swimming facility—True North has expanded its vision with a larger, feature-rich space at Lapalang.

The new facility boasts a 25-metre multi-lane pool with depths ranging from 3 to 6 feet, a separate training pool, and a kids’ pool. Enhancing its wellness offerings, the centre also includes a fully equipped gym, cardio track, steam room, and hot tub.

“I almost forgot I was in Shillong on entering this place,” the Chief Minister remarked. “The quality, focus on detail, and passion behind this project are truly commendable. This is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication and belief.”

A key aim of the Lapalang facility is the expansion of the True North Swimming Academy, with the ambitious goal of producing national-level swimmers from Meghalaya within two years.

“You are transforming lives here,” the CM told the management team. “The government is committed to supporting this facility as a flagship centre for swimming in Meghalaya and the North East. True North can play a key role in our National Games aspirations and in nurturing future Olympians.”

The project received significant backing from the state government under the CM ELEVATE scheme, Meghalaya’s flagship initiative to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Over the past seven years, our government has supported entrepreneurs, communities, self-help groups, and more,” Sangma said. “We believe entrepreneurship can transform lives, and True North is a great example of that.”

Among the visionaries behind the centre is Gary Lamare, the first Meghalayan to summit Mount Everest. He recalled how the success of the Mission Compound pool quickly created demand far beyond its capacity, with over 200 people waitlisted within a year of opening.

Recognizing the need for a larger facility, work on the Lapalang site began in 2019, only to be delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic knocked the wind out of our sails,” Lamare said, crediting CM ELEVATE with helping revive and complete the project. “Now, beyond being a leisure and fitness hub, this centre allows us to refocus on our swimming academy and develop competitive swimmers.”

Lamare also highlighted plans to offer lifesaving and lifeguarding training, given the rising number of swimming pools in hotels and resorts across the state.

The launch event was attended by local dignitaries including Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority, and the Secretary of the Lapalang Dorbar Shnong. A heartfelt message was shared by retired Chief Secretary Rebecca V Suchiang, who, like Verma, learned to swim at True North’s original Mission Compound facility.