"On behalf of the Italian National Olympic Committee I warmly welcome all the participants, not only athletes, but also technicians, managers, competition officials and, not for least, all the Friends-Roma09 which will give life to the 13th World Championships of the aquatic disciplines programmed in Rome in 2009.
Once again Italy's sports world is called to organize a Grand Event and the Championships of the aquatic disciplines constitute such an event, not only for the history they embody but also because they are acknowledged as such by the Government who has given the rightful consideration to a manifestation which is among the most important in the international sports scenery.
After 15 Years, Rome and Italy will host these World Championships for the second time. In 1994 the enchanting scenery of the Stadio del Nuoto in the Foro Italico Park constituted a precious setting for an event which is embedded in history and in supporters memories.
I am convinced that the Roma 2009 Organizing Committee, along with the Italian Swimming Federation, the Commune and Province of Rome, and the Lazio Region, will prove itself worthy of tradition, successfully generating an unforgettable edition of the World Championships of the Aquatic Disciplines.
At the launch of the organizational machine I deem it right and apposite to send my best wishes of good work especially to those who will apply themselves in the long preparation stage to ensure that Rome and Italy may once again be synonyms of hospitality and success. In brief, a grand organization for a Grand Event."
Giovanni Petrucci
President of the Italian National Olympic Committee



The CONI, Italian body of the International Olympic Committee (CIO), coordinates and supervises national sports organizations. The Italian National Olympic Committee, public institution in charge of the organization and development of national sport, promotes and encourages sports practice.
Following the last prescriptive modifications of the 9th of January 2004, the Confederation of Sports Federations and Associated Disciplines, known today as CONI, was founded in Rome on the 9th and 10th of June 1914. Today it is present in 102 Provinces and 19 Regions, recognises 43 National Sports Federations, 17 Associated Disciplines, 17 Bodies of National Sports Promotion and 1 territorial one, 18 Meritorious Associations.
Around 65.000 sports companies have joined these organisms for a total of around 8 million members.

CONI Head Office
Largo Lauro De Bosis, 15 - 00194 - Roma
Phone +39 0636851 - Email: comunicazione@coni.it