GWANGJU < invest Korea

Gwangju has become a leading candidate to host the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships, thanks to its tireless efforts over the last two years.

Mayor Kang Un-tae of Gwangju has met various sports officials at home and abroad to introduce the city as the best place to hold the event. He advertised Gwangju at every event in which executive members of the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) gathered. He also had official and unofficial meetings with FINA officials. As Japan and China hosted the championships in 2001 and 2011, respectively, Mayor Kang asked the two countries to not pursue bids to host the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships.

Gwangju will not rest until it wins the hosting right for the 2019 championships. It will be fully prepared for a field visit of FINA members, which is scheduled for April 29 and 30. The host nation will be announced in Barcelona, Spain, July 19. Gwangju will remain vigilant until the last minute, as a third party can apply to host the championship before the host nation selection day.

“Mayor Kang’s efforts and diplomatic abilities have been excellent. We will be fully prepared for FINA’s field visit,” said a Gwangju official.

Source: Yonhap News (Apr. 9, 2013)

** This article was translated from the Korean.