Dubai: The 10th Fina World Swimming Championships (25 metres) has launched an appeal for volunteers to assist in the smooth running of the event to be held at the state-of-the-art Dubai Sports Complex from December 15 to 19.
The launch of the volunteer programme was announced at the Dubai Sports Council by Dr Ahmad Al Sharif, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, and Championship Director Obaid Salem Al Shamsi.
Showcase UAE
"The contribution of volunteers will be vital in ensuring we are able to deliver an event that offers a high level of hospitality and service in keeping with our aims for the Championships, to showcase the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and the Championships in the best possible light," said Al Sharif.
Al Sharif and Al Shamsi were also introduced to the first two volunteers, Eugenie Bestic, a 31-year-old mother of two from Dubai and 29-year-old Obaid Ahmad Al Jasmi, a two-time Olympic swimmer for the United Arab Emirates.
Al Jasmi swam for the UAE in the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and is set to captain the home nation's team in December, but he is still keen to get involved to help make December's Championships a success and to encourage others to do the same.
"It's a first for swimming to have an event like this here in the UAE and if we want it to go well then we all have to work as one family," said Al Jasmi.
"It will be great to go and watch world-class athletes and also do whatever I can to help make the event a real success," said Bestic.
Bestic is also backing the Dubai Sports Council's initiative to use the Championships as part of a promotional campaign to teach 10,000 children to swim.
"Learning to swim is so important for children's safety in and around water and it is also a great way for them to get outside and have fun and be fit and healthy, even in the summertime," Bestic added.
Volunteer
If you are interested in becoming involved, please send an e-mail to: volunteerdubai2010@umegroup.net.
Tickets for the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships are set to go on sale in late September. Details can be found at :www.dubaiswimming2010.ae
