Canada's Loss of
the FINA World Aquatic Championships
A Bitter
Disappointment for the Aquatic Federation of Canada
Ottawa, January 19,
2005 - Canada's loss of the 2005 FINA World Aquatic Championships
today was described as "a bitter disappointment" by AFC
President Linda Cuthbert. "Despite all of our best efforts, we
were unable to convince the private and public sectors, and FINA, to
support Montreal as the site of the 2005 FINA World Aquatic
Championships."
For several months,
AFC and its members Swimming Natation Canada, Diving Plongeon
Canada, Synchro Canada and Waterpolo Canada have been frustrated
with the Championship's inability to sell itself to the private
sector. AFC is bitterly disappointed that, despite the economic
benefits that would have been generated in Montreal, no funding
solution was found by the Championships' public funding partners and
FINA to redress revenue shortfall in time to save the event. The
recent contributions of the AFC, the City of Montreal, and the
Conseil du Patronat represented 50% of the $12 million target set
out in the Organizing Committee's budget.
"This is a sad
day for aquatic sports in Canada, for our athletes, our coaches and
for our respective sports", added Cuthbert. "The pride of
country and of personal achievement felt by all of our athletes and
coaches in hosting this event on Canadian soil have been dashed by
the lack of commitment from our funding partners. The implications
of this decision will impact Canadian sport for years to come."
While FINA has
chosen to undertake another bid process to secure a venue for the
2005 World Aquatic Championships, Canada's respective Aquatic
federations will make every effort to ensure their athletes and
coaches remain focused on their task to prepare for competition.
"The loss of the Championships in Montreal, will have an
undisputed impact on our athletes" states Cuthbert.
"Further uncertainty on the fate of the Championships will no
doubt create more distraction, but we must ensure our athletes are
given every opportunity to stay motivated to compete at their
best."
AFC is disappointed
that FINA has lost confidence in the Organizing Committee's ability
to stage the event and make it financially viable. AFC federations
will be writing to their respective members to express their regrets
over today's announcement.
Contact:
Linda Cuthbert, President AFC
(416) 948-6483
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