For the first time since 2004, the FINA Short Course World Championships will be taking place on the North American continent, with Windsor, Ontario, Canada hosting the 2016 version of the competition. The 2016 FINA Short Course Worlds are scheduled to begin on December 6th and span six days, concluding on December 11th. Windsor is expecting to attract more than 2500 spectators and fans to its city, including the over 900 elite swimmers representing 175 countries.
While early numbers indicated that the meet could generate up to $18 million on economic positives for Windsor, the benefits certainly do come at a notable cost. For instance, in 2014 the city proceeded with a $6.5 million addition of a warm-up pool to the WFCU center, the facility at which the meet will take place. Additionally, Ontario is making its largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history. (Newsroom Ontario) To help the City of Windsor in hosting one of the largest worldwide aquatic events, Ontario is providing a total of $2.5 million over two years.
Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Coteau says, “We are delighted to support the City of Windsor as it prepares to host the 2016 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). Events such as these provide our aspiring athletes with opportunities to shine on the world stage, boost the local economy and showcase the region’s vitality, diversity and hospitality.”
Drew Dilkens, Mayor of the City of Windsor, stated further, “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario not only for their financial support toward the construction of this facility, but for their partnership with this event and their commitment to sport tourism.”