Spring/Summer 2009
July 2009
We're counting down to the big event
As the world’s greatest swimmers finish their all-important final preparations, swimmers everywhere are counting the days to the official start of the FINA World Championships, Roma 09.
Just like you, we’re all set to dive into one of swimming’s biggest events here at Mailsports. The opening ceremony for Roma 09 takes place on Saturday 18th July. And then it’s time to sit back, relax and let the professionals do all the hard work for us as they compete their way through an edge-of-your-seat programme of diving, swimming, open water swimming, synchronised swimming and water polo.
The biggest FINA World Championships ever A staggering 2,848 athletes will be competing in this year’s championships – a number that’s never been seen before. Representing 181 National Federations, the sheer number of competitors shows how our sport is constantly growing in strength and popularity, and is led by brilliant athletes who really lead the way forward.
The opening ceremony is all set to go off with a bang in Rome. Claudio Baglioni, a popular Italian performer, will be singing the event’s official anthem live. If you feel like joining in make sure you brush up on your Italian first!
A real village feel
Jetting off to Rome for Roma 09 may not be on the cards this summer, but you can still enjoy all the atmosphere and ambience of the event right here with Freestyle! Okay, we can’t bring the delicious aroma of freshly baked pizza to you (or blue skies and temperatures well into the thirties). But we can tell you all about the fab Roma 09 village that’s been specially created for the event.
The village is made up of five different areas. Together, they provide a relaxing place to really enjoy the event with the chance to shop, get together with others and enjoy fabulous food.
• A Hospitality Village reserved for federation and committee members.
• A Market District with exhibition and promotional space.
• The Piazza Eventi e Spettacolo which will host international music and artistic events.
• The Area Relax Atleti where athletes can get together before and after competing.
• A Food Court offering a fantastic choice of food and drink with 20 stands with kitchens.
Initiatives that make a big difference
The FINA World Championships have swimming at their heart, but the event’s organisers have also grasped the opportunity to reach out to people who are in need.
By promoting Amico Abruzzo, an Italian social initiative, Roma 09 will remember the people affected by the recent earthquakes in Abruzzo. All friends of the event will have the chance to donate a symbolic Euro to the cause and the funds raised will be passed on to Abruzzo’s affected families.
Good friends
An international event such as Roma 09 gives lots of people a chance to learn new things and enjoy different experiences. That’s why organisers have come up with the Friends For Friends initiative. It helps everyone really get the most out of the event by making existing relationships between friends of Roma 09 even stronger and creating new ones. Lots of friends living in Rome will be welcoming friends from other cities to their homes throughout Roma 09. We’re sure everyone will get a very warm benvenuto!
Spreading the swimming word
Young people are the lifeblood of our sport and an event like Roma 09 is a great way to share all of swimming’s lovely benefits. Presentations on the FINA World Championships have been made to around 800 students within the Rome region. Students were over the moon to be introduced to Alessio Boggiatto, world swimming champion, and Beatrice Adelizzi and Giula Lapi, both members of the Italian synchronised swimming team.
Let the games begin! Make sure you don’t miss out on this year’s swimtacular FINA World Championships. Check out mailsports.co.uk for Speedo’s new range of Rome products to support the championships.
