Piombino will host the European Open Water Swimming Championships in 2012. On Tuesday, September 11th, the opening ceremony will feature the spectacular water and fire fountain show by Viorica. Organized by LEN and FIN, the European Championships return to Italy after a twenty-year absence since the 1991 edition in Terracina (Latina).
Piombino will attract 150 swimmers from 24 European Federations to compete for the European Open Water Swimming title across 7 events ranging from 5 to 25 kilometers. Approximately 400 people will be hosted, including athletes and delegation members.
In addition to the competitions, the European Long Distance Championships will feature a series of side events, similar to what happened during the Giro d’Italia’s passage through Piombino. The city streets will be filled with a sports atmosphere, and a large village accessible to both citizens and tourists will be set up in Piazza Bovio, in front of the race routes starting from the Sailing Center and ending at the launching area. Considering the audience, the installation of a video wall in Piazza Verdi is also being considered to allow people to follow the event. Additionally, on the rest day of the European program, a race for Master swimmers is planned, an event organized by the Nuoto Piombino Society.
PROGRAM OF PIOMBINO 2012, THE EUROPEAN OPEN WATER SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Wednesday, September 12th, 10 Km men’s and women’s races
Thursday, September 13th, Team Event 5 Km
Friday, September 14th, Rest Day (Master race)
Saturday, September 15th, 5 km Men’s and Women’s races
Sunday, September 16th, 25 km Men’s and Women’s races. Marina, the mascot of Piombino 2012
