"It is nice to have the high-performance sport component because it is aspirational for the population but, more importantly, if we can get better health statistics for our region, that is the big winner," he said.
Construction on the $15 million first phase of the Stage I Institute began this year with completion of the main building and indoor sports hall and community gym expected in April next year, for opening by mid-2019.
Phase II of Stage I, construction of an accommodation hostel, is expected to start later this year.
The third phase of Stage I is expected to begin later next year and will be an extension of the building.
Stage II, which is still a few years off, will see the building of an Aquatic Centre with a 50m Olympic pool and a learn-to-swim pool.
