Aquatics stars and leading coaches engage for success at 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention

During FINA’s official Aquatics Conference, taking place at the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention, 29 November-1 December 2014, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha (QAT), delegates will be inspired by protagonists across the Aquatics and general sport movement, including leading athletes and coaches.

The theme of the conference, ‘Aquatics - Engaging for Success’, recognises FINA’s development of its brand over recent years, including the introduction of High Diving as a FINA discipline and its position at the top of the IOC ‘A’ group within the Olympic Programme. It also acknowledges the importance of involving FINA stakeholders in discussions that explore strategies for continued success in Aquatics.

“Aquatics has evolved dramatically over the years,” said Dr. Julio C. Maglione, FINA President. “But our progress would not have been possible without the support and participation from our 204 National Member Federations, commercial partners and dedicated fans. We are united. We are all engaging in success together and our conference sessions have been developed to discuss, share and improve on our achievements and inspire a fruitful future for Aquatics.”   

The official conference programme includes discussions on:

•    Host City Strategies – the secrets of developing and sustaining legacy

•    The Spectator Experience – exceeding expectations of the audience

•    The Social Challenge – connecting fans in a multi-channel world 

•    Realising Your Brand Value – creating an attractive commercial property

•    From the Eyes of the Athlete – an inside look at the changing Aquatics landscape

•    New Horizons – how Aquatics disciplines continue to innovate

•    Beyond the Pool Deck – how Aquatics can stay at the top of the Olympic Programme

•    Creating Outstanding Development Programmes – case studies from National Federations

•    The Future of Aquatics – a strategy for continued success

Integrated conference panels formed of leading FINA figures and external specialists in sport administration, media, sponsorship and marketing, hosting and events, and grassroots development, are designed to enable discussions to reference FINA activities, and at the same time be inspired by experiences from the wider world of sport.

Maglione added: “The programme looks at lessons from inside and outside of Aquatics. Our aim is to provide a truly rewarding opportunity for our delegates as they learn from international experts sharing real-world experience and practical tips that encourage innovative thinking to continue moving our sport forward.”

In addition, delegates will hear from leading athletes and coaches, such as Hungarian National Swimmer and World Champion, Katinka Hosszu (HUN), who joins the ‘Beyond the Pool Deck’ panel alongside: Brenda Villa (USA), Water Polo Olympic Gold medallist; Petar Stoychev (BUL), Open Water World Champion; and Orlando Duque (COL), High Diving World Champion. Drawing on their unique experiences, the athletes will offer their views on how Aquatics can continue to stay at the top of the Olympic Programme. 

The World Aquatics Convention also includes the 2nd FINA Swimming Coaches Golden Clinic, a two-day knowledge-sharing event in which over 200 elite swim coaches and national team managers discuss latest coaching techniques.

Full speaker line-ups will be announced shortly. To learn more about the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention and the 2nd FINA Swimming Coaches Golden Clinic, visit www.worldaquaticsconvention.com.