East Meadow, NY –Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by members of the Nassau County Legislature; President of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission R. Moke McGowan; and President of FINA World League Organizing Committee Claudio Bozzo, today formally announced that the 2005 Federation Internationale de Natation Amaateur (FINA) Water Polo World League Semi Final will take place in Nassau County at the Nassau County Aquatic Center in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY.

County Executive Suozzi joins with local water polo enthusiasts to welcome the 2005 FINA Water Polo World League Semi Final to Nassau County’s Aquatic Center. This exciting international event will take place at the Aquatic Center from July 6 to 10.

 “We are very excited that the FINA semifinal event is being held in Nassau County,” County Executive Suozzi said.  “This will be the second time that Nassau County has played host to a major international water polo competition. The games will be a fun and exciting international event for everyone.  The 80,000 square foot swimming and diving center at Eisenhower Park not only boasts a world-class natatorium, the largest in North America, but also provides spectators with a wonderful view of the action.”

The tournament will take place here in Nassau from July 6 to 10, at the Nassau County Aquatic Center, the site of the 1998 Goodwill Games and the 1999 Empire States Games.  This summer will mark the second time that Nassau County has hosted FINA; the men’s FINA World League also splashed down in Nassau back in the summer of 2003.

Six national women’s teams from the United States, Greece, Germany, Australia, Canada and Brazil compete and participate in this year’s FINA World League Tournament.  The men’s tournament will see high level international play from four preliminary qualifying countries as well as the United States. 

 The championship is the final event of the FINA World League.  Tickets for the FINA Water Polo World League Super Final are available on the official web site at www.2005waterpolo.com.