The World Aquatics Foundation has formally presented its Environmental Award to the City of Paris, recognising the city's landmark project to restore the Seine for public swimming after a century-long prohibition.
The Award, which is made out of 100% recycled materials with a ribbon from used competition swimsuits, was presented by World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam, alongside the Chairman of the World Aquatics Foundation Dale Neuburger and in the presence of European Aquatics President Antonio Silva at a ceremony held at the Site de baignade de Bras-Marie, one of the three public swimming facilities along the Seine. The City of Paris was represented by Antoine Guillou, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of the Seine Axis and canals.
Paris was named a recipient of the inaugural World Aquatics Foundation Environmental Award earlier this year, in recognition of its more than EUR €1.6 billion investment to improve water quality, modernise infrastructure and revitalise the river ecosystem, a project that enabled the Seine to host Open Water Swimming competition at Paris 2024.
“After 100 years of it being forbidden to swim in the Seine River, the positive impact of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games enables more than 100,000 persons to swim in the three pools along the River per year,” said World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam.
“It is an honour to receive this award after years of tremendous collective effort to restore the environmental quality of the river. These efforts have not only made it swimmable once again, but have also helped revive its rich biodiversity. The river is now open for swimming every summer for all to enjoy, and we are delighted to host again a major sport competition such as the European Aquatics Championships.” said Antoine Guillou, Deputy Mayor of Paris.
The presentation took place during the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, running from 31 July to 6 August 2026.
In partnership with the City of Paris, it was agreed that the USD 25,000 grant accompanying the award will support the “1, 2, 3… Nagez !” programme. Delivered in cooperation with six Parisian swimming clubs, the initiative provides free swimming lessons for children and adults during school holidays.
Supporting sustainability through aquatics
The World Aquatics Foundation was created to address key global challenges in aquatic sports, water safety and environmental sustainability. Through its environmental initiatives, the Foundation supports projects focused on protecting water resources and preserving seas, rivers, lakes and aquatic ecosystems.
“Our athletes compete in water. Preserving our seas, rivers and lakes is central to the survival of our planet and our sport. It is imperative that we all work together across the global sporting community – and beyond – for this critical issue,” said Dale Neuburger, Chairman of the World Aquatics Foundation.
In addition to environmental projects, the Foundation also focuses on athlete development, water safety and drowning prevention, and the global development of aquatic sports through education programmes, scholarships and community initiatives.