While the Aquapolis of Limoges has been selected for the organization of the French swimming championships next April (from 5 to 10), the local authorities and the French Federation held a joint press conference this Monday afternoon at the Limoges Métropole aquatic center. After the frank success of the 2015 French Championships, many clubs wanted to come back.
Many loved the cathedral – president of the Ligue Nouvelle-Aquitaine
When communities applied this summer, the decision-makers of the federation did not hesitate. “Many have asked me, when do we come back to Limoges? Many loved the cathedral! Excuse me, but it is true that it is a quality pool in a large building, very pretty and bright. They will come“explains Marc Debergues, president of the Nouvelle Aquitaine swimming league.
A new generation already turned towards the Paris Olympics
To hear it, the motivation of communities on the right and on the left to organize the event also counted a lot, as did the dynamics of the clubs of the former Limousin region. French championships which will have a major sporting interest. Beyond the national titles, the swimmers will come to seek their qualification for the world and European championships that will follow. With a new generation already focused on the 2024 Olympic Games.
As if we were putting money into the local economy – Sylvie Rozette
On the financial side, communities will have to pay 60 thousand euros for the site to be selected. But the fallout is significant. “There are the competitors and the staff who are deployed around it as well as the clubs. That makes no less than a thousand people to house and feed each day for a week. It is extremely important. When we put money into these sporting events, it’s as if we were putting money into the local economy, in restaurants and hotels.“recalls Sylvie Rozette, the sports assistant for the city of Limoges.
Good publicity for the 2024 Olympic Games
Without forgetting the media coverage. Beyond the specialized press, these French championships will be broadcast every afternoon for 1h30 on France 2 and on a private channel among those who have responded to the call for tenders. A great advertisement for this candidate equipment in order to receive delegations just before the Olympic Games from 2024. On this subject, several foreign federations have already informed and have even visited the site, in particular the Canadian delegation.