FINA’s president hails Dubai championships

DUBAI - The 10th FINA World Swimming Championships has all of the makings to go down as the best-ever staged to date, according to FINA president Julio C Maglione.

By Alex Leach

Published: Fri 17 Dec 2010, 12:07 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 4:57 AM

The biennial tournament has been held at many fine destinations over the past 17 years, including – among others – Rio de Janeiro (1995), Hong Kong (1999), Athens (2000), Moscow (2002) and Shanghai (2006).

But, all of those experiences for spectators and swimmers are about to be eclipsed in Maglione’s eyes by the five-day festival of world-class swimming under way at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex.

“We are at the best World Short Course Championship in all of the history of FINA,” the FINA president said.

“It’s a beautiful and extraordinary venue for the Middle East to develop swimming, with a marvellous criteria; the organisation is perfect, with all of the facilities and the transportation. It has the best conditions.”

Maglione also hailed the influence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for bringing the state-of-the-art venue to fruition.

“The Dubai authorities, namely His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have done tremendous work and, in record time, realised this super, world-class complex,” he added.

“All conditions are met for a great event in a memorable performance.

“In general, I’m glad to report that FINA continues to improve its activities and you will witness and appreciate the effort made by the Dubai authorities.

“ There, all FINA disciplines – swimming, diving, water polo, synchronised swimming and open-water swimming – will provide a great aquatic festival and make a special building. The scenario will be excellent.”

alex@khaleejtimes.com