Hit the beach for Dubai’s first Open Water championships

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  • Open contest: Swimmers will take to the water in Dubai.

    Dubai will be staging its first international open water championships this weekend and it provides the perfect excuse to hit the beach and witness some intense competition. 

    Almost 200 swimmers representing clubs from eight different countries will be taking to the Arabian Gulf waters at Kite beach on Friday and Saturday (April 18-19) to compete in the Dubai International Open Water Swimming Championships across eight different age group categories, from 12 years old onwards, including Masters swimmers.

    The aim of the inaugural edition of the championships is to develop the open water discipline in the UAE and GCC. 

    It will see national and international teams competing in 500m, 1km and 3x1km relay races on Friday starting 16:00, while Saturday will see the action commence at 15:00 with swimmers contesting the longer distances – 3km and 5km.

    Dubai-based swimmer Velimir Stjepanovic will trade the pool for the sea this weekend as he’s scheduled to suit up for the 5km race. 

    The Hamilton Aquatics swimmer, who finished sixth in the 200m butterfly final at the London Olympics two years ago, will be representing Al Ain Club in the open water competition, before he takes to the pool in the swimming championships at the 
    Hamdan Sports Complex next week.

    Red Bull will be at Kite Beach for the championships and will be providing a DJ to entertain the swimmers and spectators and the weather and atmosphere promise to be perfect.

    “This is the first competition we’re holding in open water and it’s split into so many age groups – the youngest swimmer participating is 12 years old and the Masters swimmers are 60 years old and above. 

    “So it’s really cool to see how motivated these swimmers are at any age. It will be a very interesting event,” said Natalya Pankina, a member of the organising committee.

    The open water competition is part of the Dubai International Aquatic Championships (April 16 to 26) which also include water polo and pool swimming.

    WHAT: Dubai International Open Water Swimming Championships.
    WHEN: Friday April 18 and Saturday April 19.
    WHERE: Kite beach, Dubai.
    Sport360° VERDICT: It’s the inaugural open water championship and promises to be great fun in a festive atmosphere. Entertainment for the whole family.
    CONTACT: Log on to www.facebook.com/DubaiIAC

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