On the Scene -- FINA Holds 1st Aquatics Convention

(ATR) Leaders of aquatics sports from around the globe meet in the Uruguayan resort of Punta del Este for a first-ever convention for international federation FINA.

"Together We Can Make Aquatics Bigger" is the theme for the three day FINA World Aquatics Convention.

Panel presentations and workshops will cover a range of issues involving the development of the sport.

While 202 representatives from the national federations for FINA are here, so too is a who’s who of sports business executives and leaders.

Wilfried Lemke, the U.N. special observer on sport for development and peace, was on the opening panel Monday. Responding to a question from the floor from the president of the Kenyan Aquatics Federation, Lemke pledged U.N. help to build swimming pools in the East African nation – as long as the were sustainable projects.

Lemke also acknowledged a recent $1 million gift from UEFA to the U.N., noting the UEFA said the money was for programs to help all sports, not just football.

Singapore Sports Council CEO Oon Jin Tek talked not so much about the just concluded Youth Olympic Games, but of Singapore’s push to increase participation of Singaporeans in aquatic sports – and to host FINA events in the future.

Dale Neuburger, FINA vice president for the Americas, presented the highlights of a development plan for aquatics that’s been in the works for a year.

With five aquatic disciplines to the sport, Neuberger says the development plan considers all equal.

"It’s what makes us diverse, what makes us interesting," he told the convention with about 300 on hand.

Tuesday, IOC member and FINA vp Sam Ramsamy leads a panel considering "AquaticsToday" that includes a session on the IOC view of aquatics, from IOC sports director Christophe Dubi.

Broadcast execs Peter Diamond of NBC Universal and Claude Ruibal of Universal Sports will cover broadcast issues for swimming.

Noted digital media expert Pierre Germau of SportAccord will address using digital means to reach young people today.

AIPS President Gianni Merlo will talk about press coverage for aquatics. Lars Haue-Pederson of TSE Consulting covers bidding strategies in a Tuesday session. IOC member and Rio de Janeiro 2016 chief Carlos Nuzman will addhis perspective to the bidding discussion.

Other IOC members at this meeting include Executive Board member Thomas Bach of Germany and FINA President Julio Cesar Maglione.

Although they are seeking the Winter Olympics, representatives from the three cities seeking the 2018 Games are attending the FINA Convention.

The convention also includes more than two-dozen exhibitors, such as Myrtha Pools, hoping to capture aquatic sport-related business deals. Jonny Murch, sales and marketing manager for SportAccord, put together the exhibition area.

Around the Rings is one of the media partners for the FINA convention.

The convention is being held in a nearly deserted Punta del Este, the easternmost tip of Uruguay, which is packed during the Southern Hemisphere summer months of November to March. True to off season form – and ironic – the outdoor pool for the Conrad, the hotel hosting the aquatics convention, is drained and out of service for repairs ahead of the next summer season.

Written and reported in Punta del Este by Ed Hula.