The AIPS Executive Committee met in Rome against the backdrop of the 13th FINA World Swimming Championships in July. It was the first official meeting of the new AIPS top team since the quadrennial election at the 72nd AIPS Congress in Milan in May.
Meetings were conducted in a conference facility at FINA’s hospitality village.
President Gianni Merlo praised FINA for providing free wireless internet access to all media covering the championships.
Dr Mauro Bonati, General Manager of Yakult Italia hosted members of the AIPS Executive Committee at an official twilight reception held at the company’s hospitality facility at the Rome championships. Mr Bonati welcomed the AIPS guests and outlined his company's mission to promote sport and health.
The role of the media, problems facing sport and the professional contribution of journalists towards the growth of football throughout the world were the subjects of a meeting held between members of the AIPS Executive Committee and the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Giancarlo Abete in Rome. Also in attendance was FIGC General Manager Antonello Valentini. FIGC hosted the AIPS top team for lunch and provided ideal meeting facilities.
Highlight of the official agenda was the visit from FINA’s new president Dr Julio Maglione who said: “The media plays a very important role in the development of sport.”
Accompanied by FINA’s new Honorary Secretary, Italian Paolo Barelli, Maglione told the AIPS bureau meeting at FINA’s hospitality centre that he was honoured by his appointment and that the world swimming governing body’s priorities will be the “fight against doping and the problem of the new super-suits”. | 
