Abu Dhabi showed their love for swimming today as over 1000 people from all sections of the community took part in the in Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife.

Swimming alongside Olympic Champion Chad Le Clos and Emirati brothers the Al Jasmis, men women and children from all over the emirate competed in the Junior Splash Dash races, the Etihad Airways Family Fun Challenge, the Adult Relay, the Abu Dhabi Splash Dash and the Abu Dhabi Mile in the capital’s largest community swimming event.

Chad Le Clos, who competed in the Abu Dhabi Mile and the Adult Relay with the Al Jasmi Brothers, said: “The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s Activelife is a great event and it was a pleasure taking part in a community swimming event.

“I am delighted to have supported this event, which promotes the importance of healthy living. I believe it can grow to become one of the must–attend mass-participation swimming events in the world. Thank you to Abu Dhabi for having me, and congratulations to all the swimmers and winners.”

The Jasmi brothers took part in a series of events. Obaid Al Jasmi, who competed in the Abu Dhabi Mile, said: “The event was fantastic – a really enjoyable day. It’s great that swimming is growing in profile in the UAE thanks to events like these and the support of Chad Le Clos.”

Chad was an honorary entry in the Abu Dhabi Mile, crossing the line first. The official winners of the event’s longest race, the Abu Dhabi Mile, were UAE Swimming Team member Abdullah Al Balooshi and Danielle Hatcher who also won the 800m Adult Spalsh Dash. Beating more than 250 other participants across the finish line, they have both won a pair of return tickets to Rome or Milan, courtesy of Etihad Airways.

The male winner of the Abu Dhabi Splash Dash was Yasssine Elshammaa . The Junior Splash Dash offered three different categories for children, 100m, 300m and 500m. Winners of the 100m were Adam Bebars and Mackenzie Coetzee. Laith Abulailla and Isabelle Darling won the 300m, and the 500m titles were taken home by Paul Clement and Charlotte Cunningham.

The Etihad Airways Family Fun Challenge saw parents swim 300m and their child swimming 100m in a relay format. The winning team was Al Ain Club, Hamad Khalfan and Ahmed Khalfan, who swam the distance in the fastest overall. The adult relay consisted of a 4 (four) person team, all swimming 300m each. The fastest team was the UAE National Team.

14-year-old Emirati, Suhail Al Hamadi, said: “I had an amazing day. I love swimming and it is good that I can come and swim in events like this one and compete against my friends.”

Samantha Stokes, mother of two, said: “I came down to support my kids. They had a great time. It was a great day, very well organised.”

Participants and spectators were treated to a range of fun and activities in the entertainment village, ensuring everyone was catered for. These included a super surfing board, pro slide wave, inflatable climbing wall, and a splash pool area. The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife provided free places for children, courtesy of sponsors Abu Dhabi Sports Council, encouraging the youth of the UAE to take part in an event which raises awareness of water safety and the importance of an active lifestyle.

Commenting on the success of the event, Dr Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer at National Health Insurance Company - Daman, said: “We are extremely pleased at the turn out at the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s Activelife, with over XXX swimmers taking part. The event is all about encouraging a healthier community, inspiring young swimmers and showcasing swimming as a sport for everyone. It was a great day which had something for all the family, which is what it was all about.”

Talal Al Hashemi, Sport Technical Affairs Division Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi Sports Council encourages the youth of Abu Dhabi to participate in activities that promote healthy lifestyles. The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival has been a tremendous success on that front, particularly with Abu Dhabi’s biggest mass-participation swimming event. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all participants who made the event as successful as it was.”

Full results for the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife can be found at www.swimabudhabi.com>

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