Luanda - Angola has submitted a candidature to host the World Junior Swimming Championships in 2027, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falcão, announced Friday in Luanda.
The minister told the press at the end of an audience the Angolan Vice-President, Esperança da Costa, had with the chairperson of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), Husain Al Musallam, and the head of the African Swimming Confederation, Sam Ramsany.
"In principle, the candidature has been accepted. We have three international federations here that have given their approval. We will continue to work to fulfill the specifications," the minister said.
According to the minister, the meeting of the International Swimming Federation is scheduled to take place in Luanda to discuss the matter, adding that, while the country currently hosts the African Championships, with 42 countries taking part, at least 200 nations would be expected to come to the world event.
That's why, the minister said, it's necessary to create another level of infrastructure and logistical support, so that the country can carry out this activity with quality.
"We are happy that the African Championships are taking place. We have to keep in mind that swimming is dominated by white African countries and, fortunately, we have South Africa to counterbalance this. Angola is entering with certain humility. We've won a competition here and there," the minister said.
The deputy-chairperson of the International Swimming Federation and president of the African Swimming Confederation, Sam Ramsany, defended the implementation of the sport at country level, especially in Africa, which looks too much at football and forgets about swimming.
Sam Ramsany underscored the importance of swimming, since it has several vital components that help save lives. FMA/ART/TED/AMP
