The popular community event, which is in its third edition, is sponsored by National Health Insurance Company – Daman’s ActiveLife and will take place on Saturday, October 29 at the capital’s Emirates Palace.
Along with Al Bedwawi, who competed in the women’s 50m freestyle in Rio last month, the event is also supported by the Al Jasmi Brothers: Obaid, Saeed, Bakheet and Faisal, who are in the Guinness World Records for making up a national relay team in a world championship event at the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships in 2010.
“It is my pleasure to support young and upcoming swimmers in the UAE,” said Al Bedwawi. “The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival is a great way to bring together amateur and young swimmers to put their skills to use in a fun and social environment.”
Swimmers of all ages and ability can take part in the event, which has seven different races.
Youngsters aged eight to nine can take part in the 100m Junior Splash Dash, while ages 10-11 can do the 300m and ages 12-14 can move up to the 500m.
The Abu Dhabi Splash Dash is a bit longer at 800m and is open for ages 14 and above. Finally, the longest distance, the Abu Dhabi Mile, can have competitors 16 and older.
For those who want swim with their children, a Family Fun Challenge is on offer, with parents going 300m and the child 100m.
An adult relay of 4x300m is another option.
Dr Michael Blitzer, chief executive officer of Daman, said: “We are delighted to support this event which promotes swimming as a fun and engaging sport to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially that the country is host to the best beaches in the region.
“Having the Nada Al Badwawi and Al Jasmi brothers participate in the Festival once again is a real privilege. We hope they inspire other UAE Nationals to take up sports as a routine to stay healthy and fit and to hopefully represent the UAE on the biggest of international stages.”
To register and for more information, visit www.swimabudhabi.com.
Come out for a day of family fun and get inspired by some of the best athletes the UAE has to offer.
See what our ambassador Nada Al Bedwawi had to say about this year's #swimAD to @Sport360! https://t.co/vIN2jZICmG pic.twitter.com/nmsnpj850U
— AD Swimming Festival (@adswimfestival) October 14, 2016
