LEN Bureau meets in Antalya with key decisions taken in governance and sport

 

The LEN Bureau had its first onsite meeting of 2023 at the Gloria Sport Hotel in Antalya, Turkiye, on Saturday 11 March. Amongst the attendees (both in person and by video call) were the chairs of all LEN’s Technical Committees and Sub Committees, who presented summaries of recent meetings and, where relevant, requests for decisions. The meeting opened with a welcome from President Antonio Silva was followed by a sobering presentation from the Turkiye federation, updating the Bureau on the devastating consequences of the recent earthquake.

Key decisions were taken by the Bureau, regarding governance and sport related matters including approval of:

 

Sport Topics:

New age group brackets for Junior swimming as 14-18 with immediate effect, to bring LEN regulations in line with those of World Aquatics.

New hosts for Junior Open Water championships, with Corfu, Greece, replacing Piombino.

Prize money for European Games (artistic and diving), Open Water Cup and U 23 Championships in Dublin.

LEN Coaching clinics for 2023 in all aquatic disciplines.

 

Governance and organization:

New LEN Integrity Road Map defining the Integrity Code, the Integrity Unit and associated panel and processes. The LEN Integrity Unit will address integrity issues that arise in the context of LEN events or matters under the sole jurisdiction of LEN.

Bidding requirements and procedure for 2024 Calendar.

New structure of the LEN Diversity and Inclusion Commission, which will be chaired by Sarah Keene (IRL) with Andida Bouma (NED) and Graeme Marchbank (GBR) as members. A representative from the LEN Athletes’ Commission and other independent members will be nominated later. The Commission will now finalise the strategic framework and scope of work for 2023 and 2024.

New Rules of Procedure, defining clear guidelines for LEN officials based on ethical standards and transparency.

The Bureau confirmed that the 2023 LEN Congress would take place in Funchal, Madeira on 16 September.

Finally, Bureau also approved as a new member Norbert Madaras, a double Olympic champion (2004 and 2008) and president of the Hungarian Water Polo Federation. Mr Madaras will replace his countryman Sandro Wladar, who is taking up a new position as member of the World Aquatics Bureau.

“We have had a fruitful meeting covering a lot of topics,” said President Silva: “It was great to get together with my Bureau colleague, the chairs of committees and sub committees, as well as the LEN Office, to plan and discuss important issues. I would like to thank our friends at the Turkiye Federation and the Gloria Sport Hotel, for providing optimal work conditions in Antalya despite the challenging conditions caused by the recent earthquake.”