PR 109 - FINA Awards in Doha 2014

Lausanne (SUI), December 18, 2014 - During its successful stay in Doha (QAT), where were held, among many other activities, the 3rd FINA World Aquatics Convention from November 29-December 1 and the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) from December 3-7, FINA has paid tribute to several leading officials and awarded the following recognitions:

FINA Order

The FINA Order, the highest FINA award, is granted to Head of States or individuals of high dignity, who have achieved remarkable merit in the world of Aquatics.

-    HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar

FINA recognised the important support of Sheikh Al-Thani in the organisation of major FINA events in Qatar, thus bringing additional development to the FINA disciplines in his country and in all the Middle East region.

FINA Order

-    HH Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of ANOC (Association of National Olympic Committees).

As for Sheikh Al-Sabah, who honoured FINA with his presence during the Gala “Soirée des Etoiles” on December 1, FINA considered his active role within the Olympic Movement and his constant support to the improvement of the Aquatics’ importance within the Games programme.

FINA Prize

-    HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, General Secretary of the Qatar Olympic Committee

The FINA Prize (only one annual prize is awarded), is a distinction that can be attributed to an individual, team or an organisation in recognition of their outstandingly positive actions in favour of our sport.

Sheikh Saoud has personally been involved in the remarkable organisation of FINA events in Doha, namely the legs of the FINA Diving World Series and FINA Swimming World Cup, and of course the recent 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m).

FINA Gold Pin

-    Khalil Al-Jabir, President of Qatar Swimming Association

The FINA Gold Pin is awarded by the FINA Bureau to the individuals who have significantly contributed to FINA activities.

Mr. Al-Jabir action and co-operation over the last years has made the Qatar Swimming Association a solid partner of FINA in the region and has created a true inspiration for the youth of Qatar to embrace Aquatics.

The FINA Bureau also decided to posthumously award the Gold Pin to Peter Daland, from USA, for his outstanding contribution to coaching in Swimming and for his example for several generations of coaches and athletes in the United States and worldwide.