Some of the world’s elite long distance swimmers and divers will battle for glory in Abu Dhabi this weekend and besides watching the intriguing duels free of charge, you can also take to the sea and experience open water swimming.
More than 130 athletes from different nations including Brazil, Germany and France, will compete in the FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming and High Diving World Cup events from tomorrow until Monday at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club.
With just six months to go until the Rio Olympic Games, many of the competitors will be aiming to fine-tune their preparations for the world’s showpiece event in August.
Headlining the women’s 10km field are Brazil’s Ana Marcela, bronze medalist at last year’s World Championships in Kazan and Italy’s Rachelle Bruni, who triumphed in the first leg of the competition in Argentina earlier this month.
Mass participation swim at the Corniche.
In the men’s event, overall defending champion Christian Reichert will challenge to retain his title but faces stern competition from Axel Reymond, who took gold in the capital last year.
For what promises to be a thrilling spectacle, you can also be involved by showcasing your skills in the Open Water Mass Participation Swim tomorrow, from 10:00.
It’s a new initiative by FINA, the world’s governing body and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) as part of their drive in getting more people to swim. So far, around 300 people will swim around the Corniche breakwater, but you can still join them.
Seven categories are on the agenda with different age groups for each event. Distances range from 100m to 900m team relays, while those who want to test themselves can participate in the one mile (1,600m). Entry can be done on the day, with prices varying between Dh40 and Dh150.
“Having this event in Abu Dhabi gives us a superb opportunity to showcase the capital as a vibrant centre for sporting excellence – and inspire the local community to get more involved in the fantastic sport of swimming. This is what we like,” said Talal Al Hashemi, technical affairs director of ADSC.
“Both Abu Dhabi Sports Council and UAE Swimming Federation are mobilising the UAE community to lead active lifestyles, and to promote swimming as a great fitness sport. The participation mass swim is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s vision to inspire the UAE community to lead a healthy lifestyle, highlighting swimming as a great sport for fitness.”
Off the water, visitors will not be short of entertainment options with a kids play area, live music, cultural show all lined up during the four days. You can also meet the swimmers and witness the races in the grandstand seating area.
Al Hashemi added: “Ahead of the spectacular performances and athletic demonstrations, we look forward to captivating the crowds at the Corniche and help drive stronger advoacy for aquatic sport in the UAE.
VENUE: Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, Abu Dhabi
WHAT: FINA/HOSA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup (from 15:00) and Open Water Mass Participation, (from 10:00 to 13:00) both on Friday. High Diving World Cup (from Saturday to Monday, from 15:00)
WHEN: Tomorrow until Monday
VERDICT: Plenty of entertainment and chance to swim in the Corniche waters. CONTACT: For more information, or to sign up visit www.worldswimabudhabi.com
