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WORLD AQUATICS
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
With great pleasure, I welcome the world’s finest emerging open water athletes and their respective National Federations to the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships - Alghero 2024.
Since open water swimming joined the World Aquatics competition circuit, the world junior championship event has cemented its importance on the international aquatics calendar. Over the five previous editions, we have witnessed incredible performances and a youthful and competitive spirit.
Reserved for the best age group open water swimmers in the world, this prestigious event will see more than 150 athletes from over 50 countries compete in one of the most demanding and exciting competitions on the World Aquatics calendar. With established champions raising their level while new talents emerge on the global stage, the quality of competition in open water racing keeps reaching greater and greater heights. This trend is only enhanced by athletes competing at the world junior championship level.
I have the utmost faith that our fantastic hosts in Alghero, Italy, will provide our athletes and teams with great entertainment and hospitality. While this city along the northwest coast of Sardinia is a first-time World Aquatics event host, Italy has held 19 previous World Aquatics open water swimming events, including the World Cup over the past two years in the Sardinian coastal village of Golfo Aranci.
With the support of the dedicated Local Organising Committee, local authorities, volunteers and international media, this event will surely represent another milestone in the history of this spectacular competition.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the host cities and sponsors for hosting what is set to be a captivating series of races. I wish all the competing athletes the best of luck!
Captain Husain Al-Musallam
World Aquatics President
ITALIAN SWIMMING FEDERATION
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
On behalf of the Italian Swimming Federation and myself, I extend the warmest welcome to the athletes, technicians, managers, referees, and delegates who will take part in the World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships 2024, to take place in Alghero on the 5-8 of September 2024.
Paolo Barelli
President of the Italian Swimming Federation
FIN REGIONAL COMMITTEEE OF SARDINIA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
The confirmation of trust from World Aquatics and the Italian Swimming Federation in choosing Sardinia as the venue for the World Junior Open Water Championships represents an important vote of confidence. Our sea has already hosted international events, and the World Junior Championships is the best way to promote it. On behalf of the Regional Committee of the Italian Swimming Federation in Sardinia, I thank Captain Husain Al-Musallam, World Aquatics President, the president of the Italian Swimming Federation Paolo Barelli, the Sardinia Region, the Municipality of Alghero, all the staff, and the volunteers involved for the success of this event.
Danilo Russu
President FIN Regional Committee of Sardinia
Why Mugoni Bay is Perfect for Hosting the Youth Open Water Swimming World Championships
Mugoni Bay is an exceptional location for hosting the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Junior World Championships, thanks to its unique combination of natural beauty, ideal conditions, and supporting infrastructure. Here are the key reasons why Mugoni Bay stands out as the perfect venue:
Ideal Water Conditions
Mugoni Bay is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear waters, which are sheltered from strong winds due to the bay’s natural configuration. This creates a safe and controlled environment for swimmers, ensuring optimal conditions for competition. The water quality is exceptional, with the bay's turquoise and blue hues providing excellent visibility for both athletes and officials.
Natural Beauty and Scenic Backdrop
The stunning landscape of Mugoni Bay, with its golden sands and lush Mediterranean vegetation, offers a picturesque setting that enhances the overall experience for participants and spectators alike. The backdrop of maritime pines and junipers not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides natural shade and a pleasant atmosphere.
Accessibility and Facilities
Located within the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte, Mugoni Bay is easily accessible from Alghero, which is equipped with modern amenities and infrastructure. Alghero's international airport and well-developed road network ensure convenient access for international teams and visitors. Additionally, the nearby city of Alghero offers a range of accommodations, dining, and entertainment options, making it an ideal base for athletes and their families.
Supportive Local Community
The local community in Alghero and the surrounding area is known for its hospitality and support for sports events. The presence of experienced local organizers, volunteers, and enthusiastic spectators creates a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for the championships. The community’s involvement ensures smooth logistics and a memorable experience for all participants.
Environmental and Sustainability Focus
Mugoni Bay is part of the Porto Conte Natural Park, a protected area that emphasizes conservation and sustainable tourism. Hosting the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Junior World Championships here aligns with the principles of environmental stewardship, promoting awareness and respect for natural resources. The park authorities are committed to ensuring that the event has a minimal environmental impact, maintaining the bay’s pristine condition.
Historical and Cultural Enrichment
Hosting the championships in Mugoni Bay offers participants and visitors the opportunity to explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of Alghero. The city’s blend of Catalan and Sardinian influences, medieval architecture, and vibrant local traditions provide a unique cultural experience that complements the sporting event.
Mugoni Bay, with its perfect blend of calm waters, stunning scenery, and excellent facilities, presents an ideal venue for the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Junior World Championships. Its accessibility, community support, and commitment to sustainability further enhance its suitability, promising an unforgettable event that celebrates both athletic excellence and natural beauty.
EVENT KEY DATES
OFFICIAL COMPETITION & TRAINING SCHEDULE
04/09/2024
16:00 Team Leaders Meeting
17:30 Parade of Nations & Opening Ceremony
Competition schedule:
05/09/2024
09:00 Boys 18-19 Years – 10Km
12:30 Girls 18-19 Years – 10Km
06/09/2024
09:00 Boys 14-15 Years – 5Km
09:05 Girls 14-15 Years – 5Km
11:30 Boys 16-17 Years – 7.5Km
11:35 Girls 16-17 Years – 7.5Km
07/09/2024 – NEW EVENT
09:00 Boys 3km Knockout Sprint
11:30 Girls 3Km Knockout Sprint
08/09/2024
09:30 14-16 Years – Mixed 4x1500m Team Relay
11:30 Open Mixed 4x1500m Team Relay
Award ceremonies will take place at the competition venue, immediately after the races. All Announcements, instructions, and commands during the event will be in English.
Training Schedule:
Training in the pool:
Training in the pool will be organised by the Organising Committee at the “Piscina condominale” in Alghero – 10min by bus from all official hotels. The training pool is an official 25m outdoor competition pool.
The Organising Committee will organise the training upon request from each National Federation.
Training requests must be sent to the Organising Committee via the training forms at logistics@federnuoto.it by the 25 August 2024.
COMPETITION COURSES
The World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships competition courses will be set up as follows:
5km and 10km:
The course will be set up as a 1.66km loop. For the 5km event, swimmers will have to complete 3 laps and for the 10km event, swimmers will have to complete 6 laps.
7,5 Km:
Swimmers will have to complete 4 laps in a 1.87km loop.
Mixed 4x1500 Team Relay:
Swimmers will have to complete a course of 1.5km (1 lap each swimmer)
NEW EVENT – 3km Knockout Sprint
The NEW 3km Knockout Sprint consists of three rounds of one each of 1500m, 1000m, and the final being 500m.
The complete field of play (all registered athletes) will start Round 1 (1500m) split in different heats (number of heats TBD in Round 1, depending on the total number of athletes). Order within the heats will be done by draw. Only 50% of the field of play in each heat from Round 1 will advance into Round 2 (1000m). The event will conclude with a Final Round of 500m.
Laps with the specific distances per round (1500m, 1000m, 500m) are detailed below:
