Going Out: Take a New Year's dip at the City Swim

Jay Asser 11:55 01/01/2017
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  • Bay watch: The City Swim was held at the Sheraton Beach Report in Dubai last year.

    The next race of City Swim is here just in time for swimming fanatics to hop back in the water for the New Year.

    The UAE’s largest open water race series, which is approved by the UAE Swimming Federation, will make its way to the capital at Le Meridien on Saturday, January 21.

    All eager swimmers are encouraged to participate, no matter if you’re a beginner or someone who regularly does laps in the pool. But this is no typical race in the water.

    The unique event features various age groups and distances that range from 250 metres to 2,500m.

    The shortest distances, the 250m and 500m, are open to ages five to 9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-18 and 19 and above.

    For the 1,000m, the youngest ages that can take part are 13-15, while for the longest distance, the 2,500m, the youngest group allowed is 16-18. Competitors are free to swim as either individuals or as part of a team, which can consist of three to five swimmers.

    A team’s three fastest athletes will count towards the results. “City Swim UAE is the perfect event for experienced swimmers as well as those that are new to the sport,” said a spokesperson for the event.

    Water world: The view out the back of Le Meridien in Abu Dhabi where the race will take place.

    The view out the back of Le Meridien where the race will take place.

    “Our aim is to provide a safe and fun environment for all swimming abilities and partnering with some of the best resorts in the UAE means we have the perfect platform to offer something unique for everyone whether you are taking part or supporting your friends and family.”

    Successful races have already been put on in 2016, which saw swimmers flock to the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort in Dubai in October.

    After Abu Dhabi, more races will be held at the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa in February and Ajman Saray in March.

    Further locations are expected to be added this year as well. For Abu Dhabi, first, second and third-place finishers in each age and gender category will receive medals.

    The cost of entry is Dh185 for all four distances offered, with the final day to sign up on Saturday, January 14 or sooner if places are sold out.

    Visit www.hopasports.com to secure your place before spots run out. Hit the open water and get your strokes ready for one of the UAE’s unique swim events.

    WHAT: City Swim Abu Dhabi
    WHERE: Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi
    WHEN: Saturday, January 21 at 08:00
    CONTACT: Visit www.hopasports.com to sign up and www.city-swim. com for more information

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