Rome, from July 17 to August 2, 2009, is ready to welcome all swimming fans that would like to assist the thirteenth edition of the Championships organized by FINA, the organization that promotes acquatics in all its disciplines and coordinates the international competitive activities of swimming, synchronized swimming, diving and water polo. For Italy this will be the most important sports event of 2009. These Championships, distinguished for the contests held not only in pools but also for diving, synchronized swimming, swimming in open water and water polo, will bring to the capital 2.500 athletes, 1.500 coaches and representing managers of over 170 Countries. This Swimming Championship, that Rome already hosted in 1994 at the Foro Italico, is not only important for the competitive aspects and for the great world and olympic champions that will participate, such as Michael Phelps, Federica Pellegrini and Alessia Filippi, but it is mainly important for the economical impact it will have on the city. In fact, over 400 thousand visitors are expected to attend. The Opening Ceremony will be held on July 18 at the stadio dei Marmi, in the heart of the Foro Italico. Those interested in attending may carry out their own pre-emption purchase by filling out the reservation form and sending it to the following address: ticketingoffice@roma09.it.