The first of these was with His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority where President Chiulli took the opportunity to speak about the challenges of the global sport scenario. He expressed his appreciation to the great development of sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain who have hosted many high-level sporting events and championships. He also praised the support of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his continuous efforts to advance sports and athletes in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Discussing the future of watersports, the UIM President said

It was an honour to meet His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and to share our visions. Bahrain is fast becoming a major hub for sports organisations with an increasing number of international sports events being held in the country. We can see they have an incredible passion for watersports, and we are happy to provide our cooperation with the Bahrain Sport Authorities to establish the Bahrain Powerboating Federation.

That particular meeting was the closure of a very intense and fruitful week in Bahrain. Whilst in Bahrain he met with Mohammed Ben Sulayem who was recently elected President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Ben Sulayem successfully campaigned under the banner ‘FIA for Members,’ committing to double motor sport participation worldwide, strengthen diversity and inclusion and be a leading opinion-former on sustainable mobility, ideas that the UIM President shares.

They identified new key areas of interest to be addressed to strengthen the cohesion between the two motor sport federations, in particular the development of best practices in the field of safety, the commitment towards a more sustainable future, the implementation of green technologies and to render the sport more inclusive.

With so many areas for positive collaboration, both Presidents underlined the importance of continuing to work together to build on the foundations of this initial meeting.

The UIM President also enjoyed an amazing experience with Scuderia Ferrari S.p.A at the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, Grand Prix of Bahrain, where he witnessed Charles Leclerc winning the opening round of the 2022 world championship, leading home Carlos Sainz in a Ferrari 1-2.

Raffaele Chiulli said

It is essential to have a platform between organisations with close synergies. In each of our sports, we are constantly seeking to innovate in order to enhance fan experience, competition structures and general development. I would like to thank President Ben Sulayem for the very constructive exchange which underlined the joint wish to further strengthen the cooperation existing among international motor sport federations. I am convinced that jointly we can more effectively exchange best practices. My heartfelt congratulations to FIA for the organisation of this Grand Prix and to Ferrari for the amazing victory and start of the season.

The UIM/ FIMC Youth Training Centre, which is the first of the kind in the UAE, was established under the patronage of His Highness, and symbolises his willingness to make the Fujairah International Marine Club a hub for water-based sports and activities for many years to come.

The Propstars project which is the key element used at the training centre started six years ago. It has now evolved into the comprehensive training syllabus with professional training for the future generations of powerboat racing competitors and officials. It is one of the highest priorities of the UIM with its goal of establishing a world-wide network of training centres to ensure the success and growth of the sport.

At the beginning of the course the focus is on the Circuit discipline and training with the GT15 boats. With recent recognition given to the GT10 class it might just be a matter of time before these slightly less powerful craft are introduced.

Then the concept is extended to the Offshore discipline which use the P750 Class. The UIM Propstars training programme teaches competitors and officials of all ages the safe, responsible, and environmentally friendly way to go racing.

Basic Aquabike/Jet Ski Training is also available which offers an ideal introduction to those new to the sport. The instruction provided lay the foundation stones of knowledge which will prove to be invaluable as progression is made towards the Advanced and Competition levels of this programme. Classroom based and on water practical instruction is provided at for each level.

Dr. Raffaele Chiulli UIM President said

In recent years we have seen the UIM Propstars Programme start to attract new young talents who get trained and educated with and by our National Authorities. We are proud to see this increasing interest in many different territories and we encourage our Member Federations and their Member Clubs to set up training centres where the next generation of powerboaters are guided by experts on their way from the junior UIM classes to the senior UIM classes.

I want to ensure that our Union will continue to grow and develop healthily. One of the best ways of achieving this is to build a firm foundation of training centres for our sport. I believe that we can do this, so let’s build a bright future together.