European Aquatics launched its Centenary celebrations in the heart of Paris at a Gala dinner held at Pavillon Elysee on the Champs-Elysees.
One hundred years after the first European Championships took place in Budapest, EA President Antonio Silva celebrated its latest iteration taking place in the French capital – and offered a preview the formal Centenary celebrations that will start rolling out from now, marking the formal establishment of the federation in 2027.
“Tonight we celebrate our European Aquatics Championships, the remarkable performances of our athletes, and the unifying power of our sport,” Silva said before offering his thanks to all the French authorities who have made these Championships possible.
“The Olympic Aquatics Centre has already demonstrated why it is one of the finest sporting venues in the world. We have enjoyed breathtaking performances from 139 athletes from 29 NFs in diving and 167 from 24 NFs in artistic swimming.
“At the same time, the River Seine has provided a spectacular stage for our open water events, with 90athletes from 23 NFs, while in High Diving, 22 athletes from 12 NFs, helped to create unforgettable images against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops. These images have gone around the world thanks to the international media present here.
“On Monday we return to the Aquatics Centre where we welcome 682 swimmers from 49 federations, which is fantastic.
So in total, 1,100 athletes from across Europe are participating across all our disciplines.
The return of international aquatic sport to the Seine is also an important legacy of these Championships and a tribute to the extraordinary work undertaken by the French authorities and their partners.
And, for the first time, para swimming has been fully integrated into the European Aquatics Championships – an important milestone that shows our commitment to inclusion.
I want to give a big thank you to our athletes. You are the heart of European Aquatics.
But tonight, ladies and gentlemen, we are also going to look beyond these Championships.
In 2027, European Aquatics will celebrate its Centenary.
100 years of athletes and champions.
100 years of unforgettable competitions.
100 years of people working together for aquatic sport.
Tonight, we officially begin that celebration.
After the showing of an official video, Silva continued:
“We just travelled through a century of extraordinary memories.
“We saw remarkable athletes, historic championships and great victories – but also generations of coaches, officials, volunteers and organisers who built the organisation we proudly represent today.
“But our Centenary is about much more than looking back.
“Our Centenary programme is built around four pillars.
“We will celebrate our Aquatic Identity and Heritage.
“We will strengthen Social Engagement, Participation, Safety and Inclusion.
“We will embrace Digital Innovation and Fan Engagement.
“And we will demonstrate global leadership, while creating a lasting legacy that reaches far beyond 2027.
“Because European Aquatics today is much more than an organiser of outstanding championships.
“We are educators and innovators and partners in public health. We promote participation, inclusion and safety. And we are a community united by our beliefs.
“That is why this Centenary belongs to everyone.”
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
