Samaranch was born in the Spanish city and died there earlier this year at the age of 89.

Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympics, when the winners in the pool at the Piscines Bernat Picornell included Alexander Popov, competing for the Unified Team, who won the 50 and 100 metres freestyle, and also staged the 2003 World Championships.

The decision was taken at the first FINA World Aquatics Convention, which opened in Punta del Este yesterday.

During three days and under the motto "Together we can make Aquatics bigger", presentations, workshops and an exhibition area will allow the Aquatics Family to network and to build-up future partnership opportunities.

The Convention has two main goals: firstly to present the FINA of the 21st century, and secondly to provide a Development Plan to FINA's 202 members.

To fulfil the first objective, discussions on new trends in media, sponsorship and promotion, TV exposure of the aquatic disciplines or new opportunities of financing will be presented.

"This Convention pretends to be useful, helpful and essential in giving the keys for an optimal management of our National Federations activities, and for the improvement of their strategy concerning the organisation and delivery of aquatic events, and the promotion of their athletes and competitions," said Julio Maglione, the FINA President.

"In Uruguay, the Aquatic Family will have the opportunity to be together, to improve its relationship, and to construct new bridges of partnership for the future."

Next year's World Championships are due to be held in Shanghai.