Dubai: Over 150 swimmers gathered on Saturday morning for the launch of City Swim UAE at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Dubai.
The UAE’s largest open water event saw swimmers of all ages and from as young as eight covering a range of distances varying from 250 meters to 2,500 meters at the first event in the unique series of swimming races.
Originating from the canals in Amsterdam and Hudson River in New York, the open water swimming event will move to other locations including Sharjah at the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa (November 26, 2016), Abu Dhabi at Le Meridien (January 21, 2017) and Ajman at the Ajman Saray (March 4, 2017), further locations are expected to be added in 2017.
A spokesperson for the event said: “City Swim UAE offers a unique opportunity for swimmers of all abilities a safe and fun environment to enjoy the sport and we are delighted with our launch event this morning. It’s great to see so many friends and family here at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort enjoying the facilities and supporting our swimmers.”
Rio Olympian Keri-Anne Payne took part in the 2,500m category and said: “I am a marathon swimmer and this is my first long race in a while, it’s good to get back in the water. The event was great, the backdrop is stunning, the location is perfect and all very well organised. I am very happy to have taken part.”
Merle Talviste from TriSwimDXB said: “The event was brilliant and it’s good to see something like this in Dubai with these facilities at the hotel. The post-event celebration in the village is great and everyone is enjoying the community atmosphere here today. We will definitely be taking part in the next race.”
The event finished with a celebratory breakfast as well as prize giving for swimmers in each category. To register or find our more information on any of the City Swim UAE events please visit http://www.city-swim.com/.
City Swim UAE is approved by the UAE Swimming Federation.
