World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam met with Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, President of the Syrian Swimming Federation and President of the Syrian National Olympic Committee, where they discussed the development of aquatic sports and increasing opportunities for young people to enjoy water safely.

President Al-Musallam underlined how World Aquatics is committed to helping Syria rebuild its sports infrastructure by providing opportunities for the next generation of aquatics athletes through the World Aquatics' Swimming for All – Swimming for Life Programme. During his visit, Al-Musallam visited the site of a swimming pool that had been destroyed in the war.

One of my main priorities as President is to give access to aquatic sports to as many people as possible,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam. "That is a big challenge in Syria, a country which has been impacted by both conflict and natural disaster. World Aquatics' Swimming For All – Swimming for Life Programme is a great example of how we can give countries the assistance that they need to get more people into the water.”

World Aquatics' Swimming for All - Swimming for Life programme is a global initiative with the aim to teach and encourage people of all ages and abilities how to swim and promote physical activity through swimming around the world. The programme provides training and resources to help countries develop sustainable and accessible aquatics programmes, as well as highlighting the importance of water safety. 

World Aquatics is extremely grateful for the support that we are being given by Prime Minister Hussein Arnous, as well as the Presidents of the Syrian National Olympic Committee and the Syrian Swimming Federation,” said Al-Musallam.

At a time when the country is working to rebuild following years of conflict and 7.8-magnitude earthquake on 6 February, World Aquatics is proud to support the country’s recovery and work with the Syrian Swimming Federation in their efforts to get more people into the water.