Wild Wadi storm to UAE Lifeguard Championship title

Sport360 staff 17:41 17/12/2013
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  • Carry out: Testing the skills of lifeguards in simulated conditions.

    Wild Wadi won the eighth UAE National Lifeguard Championships (NLC) held at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina in Dubai.

    Le Royal Meridien took the early lead when they won Event 1, the 4x1km beach run relay with Wild Wadi only finishing in fifth place.

    However, the waterpark team bounced back in the 200m swim/run/swim/run event to take first place.

    Wild Wadi then also won Event 3, the 400m surf swim and Event 4, the 120m casualty pick-up, and Event 5, the 4x120m swim relay.

    Their winning streak was interrupted by Jebel Ali Golf Resort who took the honours in the 4x90m beach relay sprint.

    However, Wild Wadi returned to their winning ways in the final event of the day, dashing home by grabbing the only beach flag. Second place overall went to Aquaventure from Atlantis with Le Meridien Al Aqah completing the podium in third place.

    Patrick Antaki, founder of the UAE NLC and general manager of Le Meridien Al Aqah and Al Maha Desert Resort, said: “What an amazing day and what an amazing performance by Wild Wadi. Never before has a team dominated the event like they did and they deserve the title as the UAE’s best lifeguard team.

    “This event is gaining momentum and I am already excited about next year’s event.”

    Event co-organiser Warren van der Merwe of Super Sports Events added: “There is a real spirit of camaraderie amongst this group of people and I am sure they are looking forward to next year’s event."

    ‘Lifeguard of the Championship’ award went to Sampath Weerakkodi from St Regis, Saadiyat winning both the individual events on offer.

    Rob Klok was awarded a special memento as head marshal, while Inesh Mohan accepted an award on behalf of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi as hosts.

    The Pete Whittall award for most spirited performance went to the ladies team from Aqauventure, the only ladies team in the event who held their own finishing 20th out of the 23 teams.

    Coega swim wear, who supplied all teams with colour-coded rash vests, and MultiPower, who kept competitors hydrated with energy drinks and gels, were also recognised for their support and commitment as sponsors.

    All event results can be found at www.supersportsdubai.com.

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