Official Welcome of Rostock's Lord Mayor Roland Methling

Dear ladies and gentlemen,
dear athletes

I am expressing a very warm welcome to the Arena European Diving Champtionships here at Rostock‘s Hallenschwimmbad „Neptun“. Numerous Olympic, World and European Champions and medalists have written the history of diving in Rostock over the past decades. This has drawn out the best in the fellow athletes.

Maybe it‘s the close proximity to the Baltic Sea that has made diving become so successful in Rostock. After all, Rostock owes its foundation to its location near the navigable Warnow, and is known for its trade contacts in the Baltic Sea area, its fame as a university city, its internationality and maritime economy would be possible without the sea.

The Hallenschwimmbad „Neptun“ was officially opened after three years of building works on 7th October 1995 and was one of the most modern swimming pools in Europe back in the day and eventhough the building could probably tell you a story or two about the history of watersports from the past six decades, it is now shining in new splendor. The City of Rostock has invested around 7.5 million Euros to ensure that the conditions for training and competitions are up to today‘s standards.

The International´s Diving Day is the best reference for the organisation of European competitions in Rostock. The competitions, which are part of the Grand Prix series of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), regularly attract viwers and fans of high, springboard and synchronised diving and bring them into our Hanseatic City of Rostock.

The strong commitment of the International Diving Day Club and its sponsors has already seen Rostock host the Arena European Championships in 2013 and I am certain that all athletes will feel just as welcome when they‘re returning to Rostock this year. For their constant dedication for the sport, I would like to thank all volunteers and organisers of the event.

I would like to wish all athletes the best of luck and a pleasant stay in our city as well as entertaining and exciting competitions for all guests.

Yours

Roland Methling
Lord Mayor of the City of Rostock