UIM honours world champions in Monaco

General News - 9 March 2010 -- Over 70 powerboat world champions from across the globe were honoured for their 2009 achievements by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) at its Awards Ceremony over the weekend of 6th-7th March.

The inaugural ceremony is the latest initiative driven by UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli to make the organisation more relevant to the sport of powerboating.

The celebrations took place amid the magnificent surroundings of the famous Salle des Etoiles, Monaco and alongside the gold medallists were attendees from the National Federations,  UIM Council members, UIM promoters, sports celebrities and other motor sport governing bodies including the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

During his address, Chiulli highlighted the significance of senior representatives from the world’s foremost motor racing governing bodies attending the event along with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, UIM Honorary Vice-President – Middle East and West Asia; a passionate supporter of UIM priority projects including Alternative Energies, Environment and Youth Development.

He also described the impact of the UIM’s new strategic approach, resulting in some significant recent achievements. These included the successful re-unification of Aquabike, the development of Junior Classes and the full re-integration of the Class 1 World Offshore Championship within the UIM and under its rules.

 

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Professing great pride at the progress being made, which recently included full recognition from the International Olympic Committee, Chiulli confirmed that powerboating is growing worldwide with increasing numbers of participants and nationalities; last season was organised under UIM leadership in over 50 countries around the world.

“We are committed to strengthening further the UIM’s position as the world’s governing body and the driving force behind powerboating.

“We hope to make our awards evening an annual event as we build our sport into one of the world’s premier motor sports.”