Friday 27th September
The European Aquatics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Conference held in Belfast was celebrated as a milestone, marking the first event of its kind in the organisation’s history. Over 150 participants gathered to discuss creating a more inclusive environment in aquatic sports. European Aquatics President Antonio Silva described the occasion as “a great honour,” while Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland, highlighted the importance of empowering and addressing challenges. The conference emphasised building inclusive infrastructures and culminated with the signing of a pledge to commit to DEI values across Europe.
Silva’s opening remarks captured the event’s significance: “It is a great honour and pleasure to welcome you to Belfast for our first Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 2024 has been a year of both innovation and consolidation, with a clear roadmap for the next four years. Building vibrant sport communities through embracing change is at the core of our mission.” His words set the stage for the collaborative atmosphere that permeated the conference.
Sarah Keane, who chaired the European Aquatics DEI Committee and played a pivotal role in organising the conference, reflected on its success, saying: “Today was about European Aquatics saying we care. It’s about being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisation, and working with our National Federations to make sure that vision permeates all of aquatics. We wanted to empower, explain, and understand what challenges exist and what needs to be improved.”
Keane was particularly moved by the speakers and attendees, noting, “I was totally wowed by the people we had here today, many of whom gave their time out of sheer passion. It was done deliberately around the European Aquatics Congress so we could ask our leaders to come together and prioritise these issues. It’s been an incredible first step.”
One of the focal points of the event was the need for inclusive infrastructure in aquatic facilities, which includes creating accessible spaces for disabled athletes and culturally sensitive environments. The discussions also emphasised expanding networks of coaches and officials trained to work with diverse communities.
A key moment was the signing of a DEI pledge, a symbolic commitment to fostering inclusivity in aquatic sports. Reflecting on the significance, Silva said, “It is our aim that every national federation will take this onboard, and then step-by-step, at a European level, we will have this environment to share good working practices every year.” This pledge laid the groundwork for future cooperation across Europe.
DEI advocate Emer O’Neill added: “When I’m asking for equality, respect, and to be seen, it’s a two-way stream. If we all work together for unity, diversity, and inclusion as a team, that’s where authentic change happens. Today felt different – this wasn’t just tokenism.”
As the conference wrapped up, there was a shared sense of optimism. European Aquatics’ new Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 positions the organisation to lead the way in creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all within aquatic sports. President Silva’s closing words summed up the event’s aspirations: “The aim of this conference is to underline why DEI is so important and how European Aquatics can create a welcoming space in the sport for all.”
Saturday 28th September
Following the DEI Conference, key representatives gathered to discuss critical developments in the sport. Major decisions included approving the 2023 financial report, confirming dates for the 2025 season, and expanding the Athletes’ Committee to ensure gender equity.
President Antonio Silva highlighted European Aquatics’ new bronze-level award from the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), recognising its governance standards. Collaborative efforts with European Athletics and Gymnastics were also emphasised, including coordination of European Championship schedules for 2026, 2028, and 2030.
First Vice-President Josip Varvodic spotlighted an agreement to sell media rights for the Men’s Water Polo Champions’ League, securing growth opportunities for water polo as a spectator sport. The Congress also reviewed the European Aquatics 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on athlete welfare, competition innovation, fan engagement, and education and safety.
Technological advancements were a prominent theme, with updates on the EURO AQUA App and the testing of the Euro Aquatics TV platform to enhance fan access to live events and digital content. European Aquatics’ partnerships, including collaboration with EPAM, were celebrated for their role in driving digital engineering innovation.
The Congress affirmed the organisation’s commitment to growth, innovation, and inclusivity, setting a clear path forward for the future of aquatic sports across Europe.
After two action-packed days at the European Aquatics event held in Belfast, a special acknowledgment was given to the efforts behind organizing the conference. Swim Ulster’s CEO Stephen Cuddy remarked, “We are immensely proud to have co-hosted the European Aquatics DEI Conference alongside Swim Ireland last Friday at the Hilton Hotel, followed by the European Aquatics Congress on Saturday—the first time this prestigious event has been held in Northern Ireland. This marks the third occasion European Aquatics has brought a large-scale event to Ulster, following the previous Technical Swimming Committees Seminars, so we must be doing something right! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff from European Aquatics, Swim Ireland, and Swim Ulster, whose efforts made both events such a success.”
Cuddy continued by offering special thanks to key figures: “A big thank you to Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland, for her leadership and vision in making the DEI Conference possible. Her unwavering support was key to turning this initiative into a reality. I also want to express my gratitude to the Board of Swim Ulster for their ongoing support, particularly our Chair, Nick Berryman, whose leadership and backing were instrumental in bringing these events to life. Their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment has been essential to our efforts.”
A note of recognition was given to the weekend’s event coordinators: “A special mention must go to Trish Mayon, who led from a Swim Ireland perspective, and to Linda Stoops, who took charge on behalf of Swim Ulster. Linda’s leadership, dedication, and passion were central to the success of both the DEI Conference and the Congress. Her ability to bring people together and ensure every detail was meticulously managed made all the difference.”
“At Swim Ulster, we believe that DEI is not just an obligation but a fundamental value that strengthens our entire community”, said Stephen. “By promoting inclusion, we ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to participate and thrive. We are also grateful to Sport NI for their crucial support and funding, which enabled us to host these impactful events.”