Dr Harald Vervaecke salutes the 1st MLC Championships 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with immense pride and joy that I stand before you today to celebrate the inaugural Mediterranean Lifesaving Championships held in the beautiful and historic city of Rome, here in Italy. This event, not only mark the beginning of a new era in regional lifesaving competitions but also symbolises the unifying power of sports in bridging diverse cultures and nations around the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean Lifesaving Championships were conceived as a platform to foster friendship and understanding among the countries bordering this ancient and storied body of water. The vision was to create a space where lifesavers from various nations could come together, compete with integrity, and showcase their talents, while also appreciating the rich cultural tapestry that each participant brought with them. The city of Rome, with its millennia of history as a centre of civilisation, art, and athletic prowess, is the perfect setting for this groundbreaking event.
This event is more than just sports. The true success of the first Mediterranean Championships lay in the bonds formed among the athletes and nations. This event set a precedent for future championships, emphasizing that sports could serve as a powerful force for peace and understanding. Let me foremost thank the Italian Swimming and Lifesaving Federation for organising this wonderful event. I also thank the President and Secretary General of the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation for their outstanding work. Finally, I thank the competitors, the team managers and the team officials for making the Championships a success. Τhank you.
Dr Harald Vervaecke PhD
ILS Secretary General
