"On behalf of FINA I have the pleasure to invite all the athletes, coaches and officials to Rome (ITA) from July 18th to August the 1st for the 13th FINA World Championships. The Eternal City is ready to successfully welcome the FINA Family 15 years after the remarkable organization of the seventh edition of these Championships in 1994. I am sure that the 13th FINA World Championships will also be remembered as one of FINA's historical Milestones. FINA invites to Rome the best athletes in each of the five aquatic disciplines from its 193 National Member Federations. The performances of our swimmers, the technical perfection of our divers, the competition between the water polo teams, the effort of long distance athletes and the grace of movement of synchronised swimmers will surely delight the thousands of spectators on site and the millions of TV viewers worldwide. The natural attractiveness of Rome, its history and cultural heritage, its sense of hospitality and the sympathy of its citizens are the best guarantee of a successful competition. Since July 2005, date of the designation of Rome as host of the Championships, FINA has been closely working with the Organising Committee to assure the best possible outcome in 2009: high quality facilities, strong marketing and sponsoring programmes, top level TV broad-casting and production. On behalf of FINA, I naturally express my gratitude to the Organizers of the 13th FINA World Championships. Their enthusiasm, help and continuous assistance are decisive for the image FINA wishes to transmit through this competition: an Aquatic Festival with our Sports brightest stars.
See you in 2009 in Rome!".
Mustapha Larfaoui - President of FINA