Doha set for fantastic Festival of Swimming

The World Swimming Championships (25m) will draw 1,000 athletes from over 160 countries.

By Sports Reporter/Doha

After three World Records were broken following outstanding performances at the FINA Mastbank Swimming World Cup 2014 - Doha, the capital is set for a thrilling Festival of Swimming from November 29 to December 7, 2014, as preparations for the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention and the12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) continue.

The FINA Convention is scheduled from November 29 to December 1 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha, and precedes the World Swimming Championships (25m), which will be held from December 3 to 7 at Hamad Aquatic Centre.

The Convention will place Doha once again at the centre of sport development, uniting world leaders in aquatics during a comprehensive conference programme and exhibition. The third edition 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.

“We are delighted to welcome FINA back to our city,” said Khaleel al-Jabir, President of Qatar Swimming Association and CEO of Doha 2014. “Both the Convention and Championships offer a chance for businesses to network and share best practice with the international Aquatics industry, and to promote FINA’s disciplines to the Qatari population, engaging them in aquatic sports. We look forward to demonstrating and celebrating Qatar as a hub for Aquatics and a destination for all sport.”

The World Swimming Championships (25m) will draw 1,000 athletes from over 160 countries. Organised once in two years, the Championships gather the world’s fastest swimmers for a five-day, top-level showdown in a 25-metre pool.

Around 46 events (34 individual and 12 relays) are featured on the competition programme, with athletes competing for the ultimate World Champion titles.

For the first time during the Championships, the host city will run a Youth Programme for 350 young swimmers organised by Qatar Olympic Committee and FINA. With the goal of inspiring and motivating future stars of tomorrow, young swimmers who have already proven to be stand out talent from their country will be given the opportunity to experience the World Championships first hand - to gain exposure to major international events and familiarise themselves with competition week format.

Under the expert guidance of leading coaches, those selected will learn the latest trends and techniques in training that have helped shape today’s swimming champions; a once in a sporting lifetime opportunity. Several announcements are also scheduled to take place in Doha: the FINA Gala Dinner together with the inaugural Awards Ceremony – ‘Soirée des Etoiles’ will honour the best athletes in swimming. Participants at the FINA events in Doha will also be the first to witness the host cities of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) 2018 and 2020.

“Doha is a great example of legacy in our sport. With experience in hosting high level Aquatic competitions including the FINA Swimming World Cup and the FINA Diving World Series, the city is now getting ready for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). Together with the organisation of the FINA World Aquatics Convention, Qatar will be the centre of the Aquatic world at the end of the year!” said Dr Julio C. Maglione, FINA President.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be in Doha with the FINA World Aquatics Convention, FINA’s official business platform, which for sure will bring development and knowledge to Qatar and the region, and as usual supports our 204 National Federations in meeting the international Aquatics industry.”

The Convention will facilitate knowledge transfer and business interaction in the Middle East by providing an opportunity for sports institutions and industry leaders to meet.