MESSAGE FROM EUROPEAN AQUATICS PRESIDENT
As the President of European Aquatics, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 21st edition of the women’s European Water Polo Championships, which will be held on the majestic island of Madeira.
We are sure this tournament will be a very special and memorable one, and not only because this is the first time this famous competition will be hosted by Portugal.
The spectacular coastal city of Funchal is renowned for its breath-taking Atlantic views, historic charm, welcoming spirit, and unique blend of tradition and modernity, which makes it the perfect setting for such a prestigious sporting event.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, the Funchal Olympic Swimming Pool Complex guarantees all the athletes, coaches, officials and spectators an extremely positive and enjoyable experience.
The successful staging of previous European and World age-group water polo championships in Funchal further highlights the city’s and island’s suitability for hosting an event of this magnitude.
As our welcoming hosts, Portugal, prepare to take part in their fourth women’s European Championships, it has been inspiring to witness the nation’s growing passion for water polo – momentum that this tournament will undoubtedly strengthen.
After watching the entertaining qualification tournaments with great interest, it is clear this European Championships will be another captivating contest, and I would like to send my congratulations to all 16 teams that have earned the right to compete on the grandest of stages.
With the continent’s finest water polo players and nations in action, this European Championships is set to deliver countless remarkable moments for fans both inside the arena and for those following from home through our digital platforms.
We can anticipate an extraordinary display of skill and athleticism, as this elite competition provides the perfect stage for both seasoned champions and promising emerging talents to shine.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to my friends from the Portuguese Swimming Federation and the authorities in Madeira for their outstanding commitment and unwavering support in bringing this event to Funchal for the first time.
Their remarkable efforts in promoting water polo across the nation have been exceptional, and I am certain this European Championships will establish a legacy while inspiring and shaping the next generation of players.
So, as we all eagerly await the start of the tournament, I would like to wish all the teams the best of luck and for each and every athlete to play their best and fully enjoy the experience.
On behalf of European Aquatics, thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to welcoming you to Funchal for what promises to be a truly unforgettable competition.
See you in Madeira!
António Silva
President of European Aquatics
WELCOME TO FUNCHAL, MADEIRA (PORTUGAL)
The capital of the archipelago is on the south coast of Madeira in beautiful bay washed by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by green mountains and deep valleys. Funchal was erected to city on 21st August of 1508 and is now the main centre for trade, tourism and culture in the whole archipelago.
Exploring this traditional but cosmopolitan city, strolling through its charming streets lined with pretty, flowerdecked houses it’s an adventure nobody will forget and something we want to provide to the Championships participants.
Madeira is the perfect host for this event. In a short geographic space we have all the essential conditions for its success. Not only excellent sports and accommodation conditions, but also for what it offers to those who visit the island: stunning landscapes, great gastronomy and endless activities.
It will be an unforgettable experience for all. Go to visitmadeira.com for more information on your host city.
EVENT INFORMATION
| KEY DATES | |
|---|---|
| EVENT | DATE |
| PRELIMINARY BOOKING FORM | 26 OCTOBER |
| TRAVEL FORM | 15 DECEMBER |
| FINAL BOOKING FORM | 15 DECEMBER |
| TEAM PLAYERS ENTRIES REGISTRATION | OPENING 19 DEC / CLOSING 16 JAN |
| ARRIVAL DAYS | 22-23 JANUARY |
| TRAINING DAYS | 23-25 JANUARY |
| PRESS CONFERENCE | 24 JANUARY |
| TECHNICAL MEETING | 25 JANUARY - 17H00 |
| REFEREES WORKSHOP | 25 JANUARY - 18H00 |
| OPENING CEREMONY | 26 JANUARY |
| CHAMPIONSHIP DATES | 26 JAN - 05 FEB |
| DEPARTURE DAYS | 6 FEBRUARY |
THE VENUE
Funchal Olympic Pools Complex, was inaugurated on September 25, 2004, is considered by experts of swimming as one of the most modern and sophisticated of the country at an European level.
This grandiose infrastructure located in the heart of Funchal, possessing an huge area of approximately 19,500 square meters of construction, distributed over five floors, and includes an Olympic sized competition pool, a diving pool, a 25m pool and a training pool.
