Blueprint unveiled for future champions

Dubai : As part of the build up to the 10th Fina World Swimming Championship which takes place in Dubai later this year, the Dubai Sports Council have launched a programme aimed at introducing the sport to young students.

The move, open to all government and private schools across the UAE, is another step in Dubai's ongoing campaign towards stressing the importance of physical activity from a young age. However, officials at both Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Swimming Association are optimistic the programme can help unearth young swimmers talented enough to compete on the international stage in the future.

Even as the state of the art facility scheduled to host the championship in December takes shape at Dubai Sports City, the "Swimming Teaching" programme will be implemented at three main centres - Al Wasl Club, Al Nasr Club and Al Shabab Club. Sessions will also be held at schools equipped with a swimming pool.

In a bid to encourage schools and existing swim clubs to sign up, the council has announced cash incentives to those institutions who succeed in acquiring a larger number of students. STAFF REPORT

Programme

Floating

Coordination of hand movements and foot strokes

Normal breathing and ability to learn basic skills of freestyle, breast stroke and back stroke

50m non-stop swimming