It was like a mini-Oscars ceremony without the diamonds

At the official opening of the new Splash Centre yesterday, there weren't the obligatory lashings of bling, but it was still a glittering event.

The centre sparkled with dozens of excited children, happy mums and dads and very proud council and city officials. Mayor Michael Laws, with his little Lucy wreathed in smiles, and Olympic medallist swimmer Danyon Loader did the deed and cut the satin ribbon.

It was the signal that the fun was on.

Mr Laws strode into the new five-pool complex, calling to all the children sitting around the walls: "So, are you ready?"

"Yeeeeeeeesssss," they yelled as they stood and scrambled to the edges of the pools.

"YEEEESSSSS."

"OK & GOOOO."

Kids spilled and fell into the water and the new Splash Centre was blessed with the sound of children laughing and playing.

Mr Laws said earlier in his speech that the $6.6 million complex was for kids  "and the kid in us all".

"We have the best pools complex of any provincial city in New Zealand," he said.

In a special tribute, he listed the sponsors who had contributed to the complex: Powerco, $800,000; Whanganui Community Foundation, $1 million; Genesis, $700,000; The 5K Club, $300,000.

" & and to the 106 individuals who contributed $15,000 through their own individual donations on top of their rates demand," Mr Laws said.

And from some of the small swimmers:

"It's so cool."

"It's got my favourite colour, purple."

"It's the best."

"I am so loving it." It's official, Wanganui. Get your togs on and have some fun.

By LIN FERGUSON