Rubbing shoulders with the world’s greatest swimming stars is just one of the many attractions for families at the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife, which takes place this Saturday (28th February 2015).

As well as a chance to meet Chad Le Clos, the current FINA Male Swimmer of the Year and Emirati Olympians the Al Jasmi brothers, swimmers and spectators can take part in a host of fun activities for all ages, such as testing their surfing skills on the super surfing board or shoot down the pro slide wave.

Kids will be able to reach new heights on the inflatable climbing wall, or cool off in the splash pool area. And parents can capture the memory of the day with an immediate photo print out and specially arranged areas, plus much more. 

As well as activities for families, prizes of a pair of return air tickets to Rome or Milan courtesy of Etihad Airways can be won by the winners of the men’s and women’s Abu Dhabi Mile.

The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife has provided free places for children, 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.

Harriet Bryant, 16, who is taking part in the Abu Dhabi Mile, is looking forward to the event. She said: “I cannot wait to take part in the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife. I have been training to make sure I do my best on the day and hopefully win. There will be loads to do on the day and my whole family are coming down to support me.”

Katie Golding, a parent and longtime swimmer, said: “I’m really looking forward to it.  I’ll be down there with my family who will be enjoying the activities while I do the 800m swim. I love swimming, but it’s an individual sport, so this is a great opportunity for us all to enjoy what will be a great day out.”

Chad Le Clos, who is currently training for the FINA World Championships and the RIO 2016 Olympics, said: “I am extremely excited to get to Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife. It is going to a great event, and I can’t wait to swim in the Emirates Palace bay, which looks amazing.

“With all the race categories on offer, it will attract everyone from mums, dads, and kids to elite swimmers, emphasising that swimming is a sport everyone can enjoy. See you all in the water!”

On the day, DJ Fadi from Radio 2 will guide participants throughout the event and ensure everyone is kept up to date on timings and announcements.

The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival is sponsored by National Health Insurance Company- Daman’s ActiveLife initiative, and organised by Professional Sports Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event aims to provide fun for all the family, and is open to swimmers of all abilities, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

Dr Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer at Daman, said: “With just under a week until the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife, we are looking forward to welcoming the crowds to support the event. This event is all about encouraging a healthier nation, popularising swimming as a great all-round sport and, of course, providing a great experience for all of the family. There will be plenty of things to do on the day, whether you are taking part or supporting your friends and family, we encourage you to come down and experience a great day out.”

Talal Al Hashemi, Sport Technical Affairs Division Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi Sports Council is pleased to be offering free places to children, to encourage the youth to participate in Abu Dhabi’s biggest mass-participation swimming event. We are delighted to be part of an event which supports an active life across UAE society, in line with our health initiative. With our great ambassadors and all partners involved, we are sure it will be a wonderful event.”

Holger Schroth, General Manager, Emirates Palace said: “We are proud to be hosting the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife 2015. With our Blue Flag-awarded beach and crystal clear open waters, the event will ensure all swimmers a pleasant and fun experience.

“The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s ActiveLife highlights the importance of water safety awareness, especially living in a coastline country. We are sure it will be a wonderful event, with something for all of the family to enjoy, and we look forward to welcoming you all on the day!”

Competition categories in the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival include:

Abu Dhabi mile- 1 mile for ages 16+ (AED150)
Abu Dhabi half mile- ½ mile for ages 14+ (AED100)
Junior splash dash- 100m for ages 8-9 (FREE)
Junior splash dash- 300m for ages 10-11 (FREE)
Junior splash dash- 500m for ages 12-14 (FREE)
Etihad Airways Family Fun Challenge- 300m for adults, 100m for children in relay format for ages 8+ (AED80)
Adult relay (4 people)- 300m for ages 16+ (AED200)

The schedule will run as follows:

07:00 Help desk opens/car park opens

09:00 1 mile waves start

11:00 Junior splash dash waves start

11:30 Adult/corporate relay start

12:20 Etihad Airways Family Fun Challenge start

13:00 Adult splash dash start

Participants are expected to be ready 30 minutes prior to start time. Participant briefings will take place 10 minutes before the start in the start area.

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