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World Aquatics has officially opened the application process for its 2025 Support Program, offering funding to National Federations for innovative projects aimed at fostering global growth and athlete development across aquatic sports.

The Program encourages National Federations to submit detailed project proposals, including beneficiaries, planned activities, alignment with their strategic goals, and measurable outcomes. This structured approach ensures transparency and good governance while focusing on initiatives that deliver meaningful, long-term impacts.

New Training Opportunities and Knowledge Sharing
For the first time, World Aquatics hosted online project management courses ahead of the application launch. These sessions, conducted in Spanish, English and French, equipped National Federations with tools to optimise their applications and manage projects effectively. Beyond their immediate value, these courses fostered international collaboration, enabling federations to exchange insights and best practices.

Eligibility and Funding Highlights
To qualify for funding, National Federations must meet key criteria, including participation in the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 or the World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) Budapest 2024, completion of previous projects and reports by 31st December 2024, and submission of the Governance Survey 2025.

Over 200 National Federations are expected to meet these requirements, making them eligible for a base grant of $25,000. Federations demonstrating improved governance scores from 2024 to 2025 can earn an additional $5,000, reflecting World Aquatics’ commitment to raising governance standards across its global membership.

Athlete-Focused Investment
Ensuring athletes remain central to the Program, at least 75% of the funding must be allocated to athlete-centred initiatives. Federations can undertake up to six projects, encompassing all six aquatics disciplines, with at least one project required to focus on governance improvements.

Announcing the initiative, a World Aquatics representative advised “the 2025 Support Program builds on our commitment to developing the aquatics community globally.

“Through this initiative, we aim to empower National Federations to enhance athlete development, strengthen governance, and deliver lasting positive change in their communities.”

Proven Success and Future Goals
The 2024 Support Program demonstrated significant impact, with $4.5 million allocated across 621 projects in 169 countries, benefiting more than 395,000 athletes. It remains World Aquatics’ largest and most transformative development initiative.

National Federations have until 15 February 2025 to submit applications, with funding disbursed in two phases: 70% upon approval and the remaining 30% following project completion and submission of a Final Report.

By prioritising transparency, good governance, and athlete-focused initiatives, World Aquatics continues to solidify its role as a driving force behind the growth and success of aquatics sports worldwide.

Image courtesy of World Aquatics.

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