Dubai Stop of FINA World Cup to Feature Six Swimming Races for Local Children

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 3. THE upcoming Dubai leg of the FINA World Cup will feature six new races — but not for the Olympians and global stars racing in the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Local children will get the chance to mingle with some of the fastest swimmers in the world when they step onto the deck to participate in the Children’s World Cup during the World Cup meet on October 17 and 18. According to an article from the Khaleej Times, a 25-meter freestyle and a 25-meter backstroke will be offered, as well as 50-meter races of each of the four strokes. It is not clear what the age limit will be for those interested in participating in the Children’s World Cup.

The Hamdan Sports Complex has been the site of several top-flight meets in the past couple of years, including the 2010 short course world championships and the 2012 junior world championships in addition to the World Cup meets. Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, General Secretary of the Dubai Sports Council, said these meets have raised swimming’s level of exposure in the desert city.

“While it is fantastic that the Dubai sports fans regularly get to see the world’s best in action, the most pleasing legacy aspect is that we have seen a huge increase in participation levels in swimming and aquatic sports,” he said.

In addition to holding special Children’s World Cup races, the meet will also give children the chance to get autographs and meet Olympic champions Chad Le Clos and Ous Mellouli. Both are scheduled to race multiple times in the World Cup meet.

Said Ahmed Al Falasi, President of the UAE Swimming Association and Chairman of the Organising Committee: “We are so pleased they have been able to fit these sessions into their busy schedules, as inspiring and motivating children to become involved in swimming is one of the major reasons we are bringing these international swimming competitions to Dubai.”

Full text of Khlaeej Times article

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