The GSLP/Liberals Opposition have welcome Gibraltar’s participation, “as a separate country” in the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships 2007 that are currently taking place in Melbourne, Australia.
A Gibraltar Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) team are amongst an estimated 2,000 athletes from as many as 175 countries competing in these Championships, in events which include swimming, open water swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming. The event is being held from 17 March to 1 April 2007.
In a statement yesterday, the Opposition said it is “significant to note that Spain is also participating “regardless of the presence and participation of swimmers from Gibraltar”.
The Opposition considers it “hugely ironic that Spanish swimmers are allowed to compete against Gibraltar swimmers in an international context, while at the same time the Gibraltar Football Association has to continue its fight to be admitted as a full member of UEFA, following the pressure exerted by the Spanish Government to keep them out”.
“This makes the approach taken by the Spanish Football Federation, on instructions from the Spanish Foreign Ministry, totally indefensible.”
Commenting on the matter, Acting Shadow Minister for Sport, Steven Linares, said:
“The Opposition firmly believes that the Spanish Foreign Ministry should stop mixing politics with sport.
They should do so by revoking the edict of the Consejo Superior de Deportes which instructs Spanish sporting federations to object to the membership and participation of Gibraltar teams in international sporting associations.â€
The Consejo Superior de Deportes is an organ of the Spanish Government.
Mr Linares added:
“The Opposition therefore wish our swimmers in Melbourne all the very best in representing their country abroad.
I am sure that their participation in an international event will give everyone invaluable experience for the future.
What a pity that our football teams continue to be deprived of the same experience by the deplorable attitude of Spain.”
Source: GSLP/Liberals Opposition Press Release - 22 March 2007
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12th FINA World Swimming Championships - Melbourne 2007
Gibraltar Football Association (GFA)
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