By Sports Reporter/Doha
The 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention was officially opened yesterday by HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee and Khaleel al-Jabir, Qatar Swimming Association President and Executive Director of Doha 2014 at Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
President of FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) Dr Julio C Maglione, Secretary Paolo Barelli, and host of other officials were also present on the occasion.
The convention, which is being held on the eve of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) from December 3rd to 7th at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, unites world leaders in aquatics during a comprehensive conference programme and exhibition to inspire a fruitful future for the sport.
Leading Aquatics athletes and coaches are in Doha, where they will interact with the delegates and share their ideas to encourage the growth of aquatics. The third edition of the convention also includes the FINA Extraordinary Congress, a session to determine future innovations and rule changes in the sport, and the 2nd FINA Gold Swimming Coaches Clinic, a knowledge-sharing opportunity for top-level coaches.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sheikh Saoud congratulated FINA for its efforts to popularise the sport and said Qatar was happy to support the world body in its endeavour. “Over the years Doha has become a pivotal meeting point for world-class sporting experts of all fields, and that continues today as we find ourselves once again at the centre of sustainable sporting development. This week, issues will be debated and best practice shared but we will all certainly be united in one thing – our desire to drive engagement and safeguard the future of aquatic sports.”
Sheikh Saoud also lauded FINA for expanding membership to 207 member nations, after the addition of three new nations was approved this week in meetings in Doha. Gabon, St-Maarten and Belize were all approved for membership, adding one African, one Caribbean, and one Central American federation, respectively.
“The popularity of Aquatics is due to strong leadership of FINA. International Olympic Council has only 205 members but FINA has two more and I take this opportunity them. Aquatics is also one of key Olympic sport, I hope it will only become more popular,” he said.
Al-Jabir, QSA President and Executive Director of Doha 2014, added: “Since Qatar hosted its first major FINA event in 2012, we have already seen the impact and inspiration that has had on our own young athletes. Aquatic sports are growing in Qatar and through the 3rd FINA Aquatics Convention, we hope to ensure that growth continues not just in the region, but all over the world.”
FINA president Maglione called to make FINA more stronger and united. “We must always operate in the best interests of our one love: Aquatics. Together we can make FINA stronger and we are united by the same cause. We will continue to engage for success. We must work better with all Partners to advance our sport. Please take advantage of the networking here at the convention,” said Maglione, who is also the president of the Uruguayan National Olympic Committee.
The Convention will also facilitate knowledge transfer and business interaction in the Middle East by providing an opportunity for sports institutions and industry leaders to meet. Several announcements are also scheduled to take place. The inaugural awards ceremony will honour the best athletes in swimming and decision will also be taken on who will host the World Swimming Championships (25m) in 2018 and 2020.
HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani accompanied by Khalil al-Jabir inaugurate the FINA World Aquatics Convention at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel yester
