The HH UAE President’s Cup will see some of the country’s promising swimmers compete in what will be the final meeting of the season. And the UAE Swimming Federation are inviting the public to witness the action free of charge this Friday and Saturday in Dubai.
The competition will see over 150 swimmers of various ages from across the UAE compete at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai.
And with the meet concluding on the final day on Saturday, medals will be decided in what will be a competitive two days of action.
The competition is a big event in the UAE Swimming Federation calendar, with the emphasis on attracting children to the sport and offering a platform for competitors to prepare for bigger regional or international tournaments.
“With the UAE Swimming Federation calendar running from January to December, the HH UAE President’s Cup will be the final race of the season for the swimmers,” said Stephanie Carvel of the UAE Swimming Federation.
“So all the swimmers will be at their very best in terms of performance and all will want to end the season on a high.
“The previous editions have been a huge success and have attracted hundreds of swimmers from around the country. We expect that number to be around 500 for this competition, which will be great for the UAE Swimming Federation.”
There will be no high-profile international swimmers competing, but some of the future stars in the UAE will take to the pool.
Boys and girls aged 12 years and above from UAE-based swimming clubs will compete in major disciplines – freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and individual medley as well as the relays.
While registration is closed for competing, parents can bring their children to the Hamdan Sports Complex to watch the races, with organisers keen to attract more people to the sport.
“Swimming is a sport that is fast growing in the UAE,” said Carvel.
“You will only have to see on the day how many swimmers will be taking part to see the sport is growing.
“Since Dubai hosted the 2010 FINA Swimming World Championships, the UAE Swimming Federation have worked very hard to raise the profile of the sport and we are now seeing positive results.
“By just being at the venue it will give children the idea that swimming is fun and enjoyable. Hopefully they can see that children their own age are competing and that can inspire them to take up the sport.”
She added: “The UAE Swimming Federation are very keen for children to maintain a healthy lifestyle and we want to help the children get away from the television and stop playing computer games, and give swimming a try.”
What: HH President’s Cup by UAE Swimming Federation
Where: Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai
When: Thursday, November 27 – from 19:00 to 21:00
Friday, November 28 – from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00
Contact: www.uaeswimming.com