FINA Praises Swimming of 16th Asian Games
Nov. 22nd, 2010 Joycommunications
7th Asia Swimming Federation Congress held in 16th Asian Games, Guangzhou 2010
Guangzhou, November 19 - The president of world swimming governing body FINA, Dr Julio C Maglione, confirmed Asia's one additional member on the FINA Bureau at the 7th Asia Swimming Federation Congress in Guangzhou on Thursday. The 7th AASF General Congress was held today at the Guangzhou Garden Hotel on the sidelines of the 16th Asian Games.
The meeting was chaired by FINA Vice President and OCA Director General and Technical Director Husain Al Musallam. The FINA President, Dr Julio C Maglione, praised the OCA's active role in developing the sport in the world's biggest and most populous continent.
"Asia is a fast growing region both in economical terms and in the sports field as well," Dr. Maglione said in his opening speech. "The Asia Swimming Federation and the Olympic Council of Asia are both protagonists of this development. I'd like to congratulate OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and the Director General, who is Vice President of FINA, Husain Al Musallam, for the outstanding Opening Ceremony of the Guangzhou Asian Games."
"I'm fully aware of the reality of swimming sport in Asia. More aquatic stars from Asia are emerging, more high-level competitions are organised in Asia; there is more interest from major TV networks, and more sponsors are highlighting our activities in this exciting continent.
"Being aware of this reality, I agree with the proposal of one additional member from Asia to enter the FINA Bureau. It is a fair tribute to the vitality of Asia. And for the first time in history, a member of the FINA Executive is from this continent - our Honorary Treasurer Pipat Paniangvait from Thailand."
FINA Vice President and OCA Director General and Technical Director Husain Al Musallam also confirmed two new members from Asia. East Timor and Bhutan would like to join the FINA family and AASF.
"Dr. Julio C. Maglione's presentation today added great value for today's congress and 16th Guangzhou Asian Games," said Husain Al Musallam. "We always appreciate his involvement and high standards of conduct. I'd like also to assure you that Asia is behind you and FINA to promote the quality of sport in Asia. We will work closely for its further development."
"Two new members, East Timor and Bhutan, will join our big family. They are becoming our positive supporters, and I'm confident we will have more participations of swimming sport in Asia."