CANA, the governing body which oversees all aquatic federations on the continent of Africa, has endorsed Julio Maglione for another term as FINA President.
This current election has drawn much controversy with LEN President and FINA Vice President Paolo Barelli making a strong pitch to unseat the FINA status quo. Elections will be held July 22 in Budapest, one day before the swimming competition begins at the World Championships. Maglione is considered a heavy favorite.
Read the full text of CANA letter below, and it can be downloaded by clicking here.
Letter to CANA National Federations:
Mr Paolo Barelli, the FINA Honorary Secretary, has been circulating several letters to FINA National Federations, seeking support for his candidature for the President of FINA. Apparently, he is now circulating messages promising financial contributions in his attempt to woe the Federations.
Last year, FINA President, Dr Julio Maglione, honoured us with his presence at our CANA Congress held in Bloemfontein. He stated that he will be seeking another term as President of FINA at the Congress in Budapest. We also invited Mr Paolo Barelli to our Congress in Bloemfontein. But he did not even have the courtesy to respond.
During his presence in Bloemfontein, we discussed with President Maglione the various types of support Africa required from FINA. After he had addressed all our concerns, the CANA Congress decided unanimously to give full support for him to continue as FINA President until 2021.
Our concerns included:
- Several countries could not be present in Bloemfontein because of financial difficulties. He had already discussed this matter with several of the FINA Vice Presidents to provide an administrative grant of possibly $15 000 per annum to each Federation. We, in turn proposed that such grants should cover participation in African Championships which takes place once each year.
- We pointed out that CANA needed more administrative and swimming coaches courses. He responded that this was part of his programme for the 2017-2021 period. This will also include expanding scholarship for swimmers from developing countries. He mentioned that he had also discussed this issue with the continental Presidents of Asia, America and Oceania which needed similar types of assistance.
- He said that during the Swim for All; Swim for Life Seminars he did emphasise that FINA is looking at ways and means in assisting developing countries in the construction of basic swimming pools.
He has fulfilled his promise of initiating Swim for All: Swim for Life teaching programmes. The first was held in Bangkok in May of this year. Already 10 African countries have benefitted from this course. From 2018, he will continue with this programme each year.
Last year, with the help of Dr Maglione, CANA managed to obtain funds to assist our four regions in the organisation their Zonal Championships. For the 2017-2021 we are anticipating an increase in funds or these events and to provide some form of support for the participating countries.
During the last 4 years of Dr Maglione’s Presidency, FINA has been recognised, together with Athletics and Gymnastics, in the highest sector of Olympic Sports. Previously this was only reserved for Athletics. Through his intense lobbying FINA has now obtained 3 extra events for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This brings the total number of aquatic events to 49. This is more than any other sport in the Olympic Programme. Moreover, he has managed to add 2 more teams for Women’s Water Polo.
Thanks to Dr Maglione, FINA has established close relations with UNESCO. This is part of the programme for tackling the prevention of drowning throughout the world.
During my discussions with the Hungarian Ambassador in South Africa, he mentioned Hungary’s support for sports programmes for African countries. I am delighted to learn that Hungary, through its Swimming Federation, has now endorsed providing support for CANA Affiliates. This programme will be announced at a function to be held on 20 July in Budapest.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you in Budapest.
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