FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation), the world governing body for the sport of Aquatics, has announced that Aquatics stars Katinka Hosszú (Swimming), Brenda Villa (Water Polo), Orlando Duque (High Diving), Petar Stoychev and Britta Kamrau (Open Water Swimming) will speak at FINA’s official Aquatics Conference on a panel titled ‘Beyond the Pool Deck’.
The Aquatics Conference, taking place at the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention, 29 November-1 December 2014, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha (QAT), is set to inspire a fruitful future for the sport. Delegates will hear from speakers at the pinnacle of international sport, including leading Aquatics athletes and coaches.
With Aquatics now established in the top tier of the Olympic Programme, the panel of Olympians and World Champions will draw on their individual experiences and offer opinion on how the sport can maintain its Olympic position for years to come.
“Delegates will have a unique opportunity to hear from some of the most decorated competitors in Aquatics,” said Dr. Julio C. Maglione, FINA President. “These athletes are the pride of our sport and the stars behind our success – they make it exciting, they draw in the crowds and ultimately inspire the next sporting generation.”
“Our carefully selected panel is best placed to offer insight on how we can continue progressing in the right direction and remain a key pillar of the Olympic Movement.”
Three time Olympian Katinka Hosszú (HUN) has made headlines following her success at the 2014 FINA/MASTBANK Swimming World Cup Series which saw her garner an unprecedented 51 gold medals. Katinka will be looking to add to her medal haul in Doha at the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), taking place at the magnificent Hamad Aquatic Complex just days after the World Aquatics Convention.
Similarly, Orlando Duque (COL) made his name in High Diving by winning gold at the first ever High Diving competition during the 15th FINA World Championships last year. More recently, he was in the spotlight for conquering his rivals at the inaugural FINA High Diving World Cup earlier this year.
Awarded ‘Female Water Polo Player of the Decade’ for 2000-2009 by FINA Aquatics World Magazine, Brenda Villa (USA) has a wealth of experience, including four Olympic medals. Meanwhile, World Champions Petar Stoychev (BUL) and Britta Kamrau (GER) are counted amongst the most successful long distance swimmers and will offer insight from their roles as FINA Athletes Committee members.
The official Aquatics Conference includes sessions on:
· Host City Strategies – the secrets of developing and sustaining legacy
· The Spectator Experience – exceeding expectations of the audience
· Swimming for All, Swimming for Life Programme – adding social responsibility to FINA activities
· 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
· Moving Aquatics Forward – a strategy for continued success
In addition, delegates will also have the opportunity to hear from leading coaches at the 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.
Further 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.
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You can also follow the Convention on Twitter: @finaconvention
Swimming News Courtesy of RedTorch / FINA.
