During an official visit to Chișinău, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva held a series of high-level meetings focused on the long-term development of aquatic sports in Moldova.

The visit highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening the country’s aquatic ecosystem through constructive dialogue, strategic cooperation, and alignment with Moldova’s ambitious “Sport 2030” Development Strategy — a national framework aimed at modernising sports infrastructure, professionalising sports management, and positioning sport as a driver of social and economic development.

Discussions centred on strengthening the strategic alignment between European Aquatics and Moldovan sporting institutions, with a clear focus on sustainable growth, inclusion, and long-term opportunity for future generations.

Several strategic priorities were identified during the meetings, including:

• Expanding “Learn to Swim” programmes to improve public health, water safety, and grassroots participation.
• Developing coach education pathways aligned with European standards and international best practices.
• Supporting the rebuilding and modernisation of aquatic facilities and swimming pools across Moldova.
• Reinforcing institutional cooperation and future support mechanisms for aquatic sports development.
• Exploring opportunities to host international aquatic competitions in Moldova.

President Silva emphasised that aquatic sport facilities are not just about competition. They offer a platform for education, wellbeing, social inclusion, and opportunity.

“Every pool rebuilt becomes a gateway for future generations, and every trained coach becomes a multiplier of knowledge and inspiration,” he noted during the visit.

The meetings reaffirmed the importance of European cooperation in sport and demonstrated how progress is achieved through partnership, solidarity, and a shared vision for the future.

Throughout the visit, President Silva met with key representatives from government, sport federations, and the Olympic movement, including:

• Sergiu Gurin, State Secretary for Sport.
• Sergiu Postica, President of the Swimming Federation.
• Veaceslav Bacev, President of the Water Polo Federation.
• Zalina Marghieva, General Secretary of the Olympic Committee.
• Larisa Popova, Vice President of the Olympic Committee.
• Cristina Vasilianov, Vice President of the Olympic Committee.
• Victor Pruteanu, Deputy Mayor of Chișinău.
• Andrei Pavăloi, Head of Sports for Chișinău.