British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes has praised the delivery of the LEN European Aquatics Championships in London and is now looking forward to delivering the next edition in Glasgow in 2018.
The 14-day event at the London Aquatics Centre came to a close on Sunday and with it the culmination of years’ of planning and work following the championships being awarded back in 2013.
“Once again Great Britain, through our key funding partner UK Sport and key stakeholders, have delivered a world class event in what is an iconic venue,” said Sparkes.
“I would like to thank and congratulate all of those involved in putting on this fantastic event. From the organising committee to every single volunteer, all have played a valuable role in delivering and inspiring Europe’s greatest athletes,” said Sparkes.
The European Aquatics Championships will be held at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow in 2018 as part of a new multi-sport concept – The EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. For the first time the event will bring together existing European Championships of athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon, plus a new golf team championships.
Around 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin from 7-12 August as part of the European Athletics Championships and approximately 3,000 athletes will visit Glasgow and Scotland for the other six sports, including aquatics, between 1-12 August.
“British Swimming is delighted to be working once again in partnership with Glasgow City and Scottish Swimming on this ground breaking project," said Sparkes.
“This innovative event builds on the success of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and we believe will change the face of European sport competition for decades to come. It’s an opportunity to showcase swimming alongside other sports, and to recapture the magic that we all experienced in the summer of 2014.
“The 2018 European Championships are all about protecting the rich history and heritage of the existing individual sport championships while making them stronger for the future,” said Sparkes. “These events represent the crown jewels in our event portfolios and will be carefully nurtured.”
"One of the key reasons why the sports have come together is to benefit from the powerful upside of aggregation, for example in the form of a higher profile and reach through our EBU partnership, the ability to create the best possible stage for our athletes to compete on, as well as enhanced long term financial security” added Sparkes.