The 14th FINA World Swimming Championships venue at the International Expo Centre of Hangzhou China was officially inaugurated this afternoon, December 10, on the eve of the start of the competition.
FINA partner Myrtha Pools have been building the temporary swimming pools (competition and warm-up) in a record time providing the most exclusive and advanced technology to match the world standards for the top-notch six-day event. FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione spoke at the ceremony.
“We are very happy to be in this ceremony, where the outstanding pool for our 14th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) is being officially open. The conditions here in Hangzhou are ideal and the athletes will certainly delight us with their brilliant performances. On this occasion I would like to thank our hosts here in China for their hospitality and professionalism. I believe we will have an excellent edition of the Championships! Thank you all!”
Myrtha Pools CEO Roberto Colletto said:
"Dear all, It is my pleasure and a great honor being here today at the 14th FINA World Short Course Championships in Hangzhou. It’s so great to be back in Hangzhou. I am so impressed by the beauty and history of this great City. It’s really appropriate that the FINA World Swimming Short Course Championships will be held in the city of water! I am so proud to represent today Myrtha Pools as the official FINA partner. The pool in front of us has been engineered in our Factory in Italy and installed temporarily in this wonderful venue. Strictly following all of FINAs specifications. We are sure the Athletes will benefit from this very fast pool and we look forward to an outstanding Championship. I would like to thank FINA President, Mr Julio Maglione, FINA Executive Director Mr Cornel Marculescu, all the FINA staff, the Organizing Committee and the City of Hangzhou today represented by Miss Chen Guomei, who with great passion and professionalism made this outstanding sport event possible. Thank you and we look forward to an exciting championship starting tomorrow!"
Hangzhou Vice Mayor Chen Guomei was also present today and welcomed the media of the world to the brand-new swimming pool.
Competition starts tomorrow, December 11, at 9am with the 11 heat sessions (400m Freestyle M, 200m Freestyle W, 200m Butterfly M, 50m Breaststroke W, 100m Backstroke M, 400m Ind. Medley W, 100m Breaststroke M, 100m Backstroke W, 200m Ind. Medley M, 4x 100m Freestyle W, 4x 100m Freestyle M), while the finals will take place at 7pm.