Swimming event at Education City
Web posted at: 4/30/2009 8:8:4
Source ::: THE PENINSULA

 

DOHA: Qatar swimming takes center stage this week with the largest ever international meet for regional swimming clubs taking place at Education City.


Over 240 swimmers representing 12 clubs will take part in the two-day event starting today. Clubs from Qatar, Oman, Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, including the Qatar National Swimming Federation, will take part in the event.

The two-day event, to be held at the 50 metre Olympic pool at Education City Stingrays (ECSSC), has over 106 events in the programme. Parents and coaches accompanying the regional teams are expected to swell the numbers close to over 500 spectators.

The two-day programme will start around 7.30am and run until 4pm.


Liz Vertigans, Meet Director for ECSSC said: “Qatar swimming has really taken off in recent years and a vibrant club network in the region is key to competition and raising performance levels. It gives the children a chance to compete after all the intensive training they put in each week so they can measure their performances against others and aspire to personal best times. We are delighted to have such a large turnout from around the Gulf states and it shows the enthusiasm of all those involved, from parents and coaches to support staff who make such meets happen. It is also testimony to the organisation of the event in recent years and the superb facilities of Qatar Foundation that clubs such as these keep wanting to return to our venue.”


Vertigans added: “We really wanted all the children to go away with a momento after the meet. Our thanks go to the generosity of Weill Cornell, Texas A&M, Virginia Commonwealth and Sidra Medical and Research Center who have donated gifts of various kinds.”


This is the 3rd international swim meet staged by Education City Stingrays which itself has over 200 swimmers in its club.
For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Vertigans on 5697063 or Sue Sullivan on 4540772


Teams:

Qatar Swimming Federation; Al Khor International School; Education City Stingrays Swimming Club; Tidalwaves; Doha Dolphins Bahrain: Bahrain Swim Team; Dubai Arabian Gulf Swimming Academy; Oman Muscat International School; British School or Marlins, Muscat; American/British Academy Vipers, Muscat; Saudi Arabia; King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh; French School Swim Club, Riyadh