5th Byzantine Trophy – National Finswimming Event in Ravenna, Italy

5th Byzantine Trophy – National Finswimming Event in Ravenna, Italy

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The 5th Byzantine Trophy (Trofeo Bizantino) is a prominent national finswimming competition held in Ravenna, Italy. Scheduled for February 1-2, 2025, this event is organized by ASD Blu Atlantis Avis Ravenna and is sanctioned by FIPSAS (Italian Federation of Sport Fishing and Underwater Activities) and the Emilia Romagna Regional Council. The competition will take place at the G. Gambi Municipal Swimming Center, featuring an Olympic-sized 50-meter pool with eight lanes and a depth of 2.1 meters.

Categories and Events

The competition caters to various age groups and skill levels, allowing both youth and senior participants to showcase their talents. The categories include:

•ES A and ES B for young swimmers (under 18), competing in 50m, 100m, and 200m finswimming and monofin events.

•Master Categories U49 and O50 for older and experienced athletes, with races spanning 50m to 800m.

•DIFIR (Paralympic) athletes competing in 50m and 100m races.

•Open Categories for more advanced finswimmers, including individual events up to 800m, as well as mixed relays.

All participants must be FIPSAS members and present valid sports medical certifications to ensure safety and fair competition.

Special Awards

The event is particularly notable for three prestigious awards:

1.Gianni Gambi Prize – Awarded to the athlete with the highest performance among all competitive categories.

2.Memorial Ugo Tabanelli – Recognizes the top-performing Paralympic athlete.

3.Francone Award – Granted to the youngest male and female participants, celebrating the future generation of finswimmers.

Competition Rules and Procedures

To ensure a seamless event, strict guidelines have been set. Entries must be submitted via the FIPSAS registration form by January 24, 2025, accompanied by a fee of €6 per athlete per event, €15 for each relay, and €11 for time trials. The organizers also reserve the right to accept late registrations with a €50 surcharge. No in-person entries will be allowed on the competition day.

Electronic timing provided by the Italian Federation of Timers guarantees precision in race results. Scoring is based on FIPSAS tables, with relay events contributing double points to the team standings. Awards will be presented immediately following races, and athletes must attend the ceremonies in their team uniforms to receive their medals.

Schedule of Events

The event spans two days, with detailed programming as follows:

•Saturday, February 1: The competition starts in the afternoon with a warm-up session, followed by 50m and 100m finswimming events across various categories. Events continue with 200m races in finswimming and monofin disciplines.

•Sunday, February 2: Morning and afternoon sessions are dedicated to diverse races, including apnea, monofin, and CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) events for both youth and senior categories. The day culminates with the 4x100m mixed relays in finswimming and monofin, fostering team spirit and collaboration among athletes.

Safety and Equipment Guidelines

Safety is paramount, especially for underwater events requiring specialized equipment. All diving tanks must be in pristine condition, certified, and empty upon submission for inspection. Tanks are refilled on Sunday morning to ensure they meet Italian safety standards. Moreover, athletes and staff must adhere to the pool’s guidelines, including the mandatory use of swimming caps, while team representatives are responsible for maintaining decorum on the pool deck.

Conclusion

The 5th Byzantine Trophy in Ravenna promises a high level of competition and camaraderie within the Italian finswimming community. From young talents to seasoned masters and Paralympic participants, the event highlights diversity and excellence in the sport. With its structured organization, comprehensive safety measures, and prestigious awards, the competition serves as a significant milestone for finswimming athletes and enthusiasts alike.

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