By Teresa Martinez - Belen Jesuit Preparatory School
Miami Auxiliary Bishop Peter Baldacchino blessed the grounds where the Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center & the Peter John and Gabriel Jimenez Pool at the aquatic center will be built. Jesuit Father Guillermo García-Tuñón, Belen's president, thanked the donors as well as the invited guests.
“It is the leadership, vision, and financial support of the Zumpano family which has steered this incredibly important project through a series of challenges and delays over the years that has led us to this moment,” said Father García-Tuñón. “The aquatic center is being named after Gian Zumpano from the class of 1986. This is an emotional day for Gian’s brothers - Joey ’87, Danny, Carlos, Lucas ’18 and Noah ’23 - who all attended or will soon attend Belen, because we are celebrating the legacy of an individual who was a true man for others.”
Gian, was the Salutatorian of his class and passed away at the age of 22. During his time at Belen Jesuit and beyond, he inspired others through his humility and selflessness. The presence of his bust on the pool deck will serve as a lasting reminder of his contagious spirit and dedication to teaching young children to swim.
“For Peter and Yamile Jimenez and their family, the Belen Jesuit experience began in 2003,” said García-Tuñón. “Their oldest son, Peter John distinguished himself as an outstanding student and leader within the class of 2010. The youngest and most energetic member of the Jimenez family, Gabriel, started at Belen in 2009. Known for his love for Belen and charisma, he will graduate in a few weeks as a two-time state champion in Water Polo. Peter and Yamile have been very actively involved during their sons’ time at Belen. They are looked upon as leaders in this community by the faculty and parents alike, and Yamile is an active member of the school’s Board of Advisors. The pool that will be named for their sons.”
The new aquatic center will feature a state-of-the-art Olympic sized pool and be home to the championship-winning swimming, diving, and water polo teams. The estimated date of completion for the project is the summer of 2017. John Medina, from the class of 1977, is the architect.
