Lausanne-Switzerland, May 24, 2012: A worldwide wave of enthusiasm will hit the seaside town of Riccione, Italy, where a record 14,000 participants will gather for the 14th edition of the FINA World Masters Championships from June 3-17.
No less than 9,672 swimmers will hit the pool at the “Italo Nicoletti” Sports Centre and another 2,326 will take to the open water in the Adriatic Sea. 1,322 water polo players will shoot the ball, 567 synchro swimmers will hold their breath while 247 divers make a splash!
With water aficionados aged from 20 to more than 100 years old, the Masters movement has never proved so vibrant. Above all, people come to World Masters for fun, fitness and friendship. They come and share their life passion for Aquatics, and the atmosphere is always electric!
Participants from the host federation will come in great number (about 4,800) but many will also come from Germany, France, Russia, USA, Great Britain, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Venezuela, Switzerland and Ukraine. Swimmers from Mongolia, Zimbabwe and Fiji will also make the trip to share the unique Masters experience!
FINA’s five disciplines will be featured on the programme: swimming will have 22 events, including 4x50m mixed medley and freestyle events, a 3km race will take place in open water, thrilling water polo games will be held, divers will take off from the 1m and 3m springboards, and 10m platform (synchro events are also scheduled on the 3m and 10m) and synchro swimmers will perform in Solo, Duet, Trio and Team (technical and free routines) and Free Combination.
More than 25 years ago, FINA launched the Masters movement with the first edition of the event held in Tokyo, Japan. Riccione plays host for the second time, having already staged the event in 2004. Rightfully dubbed “The Green Pearl of the Adriatic”, a lively breeze is always blowing on Riccione, making it the perfect place for a Masters celebration.
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