Abu Dhabi to host the Open Water Swimming World Cup 2015

More than 2,000 triathletes to descend on capital for the event in March

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi will host the 10-kilometre Open Water Swimming World Cup on March 13, it has been announced.

The event will be held under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in cooperation with the International Swimming Federation and the Emirati Swimming Federation.

It is one of six competitions that have been held by the International Swimming Federation since 2007, with open water events being part of the Olympic Games since 2008 in Beijing.

Organisers say the capital event is one of the outcomes of the ADSC’s partnership agreement with the International Triathlon Union (ITU), as more than 2,000 triathletes from 40 countries are expected to take part in the World Cup.

The Abu Dhabi 10-kilometre Open Water Swimming World Cup will be preceded by a preparatory swimming championship on February 21.

Commenting on the hosting of the event in Abu Dhabi, Arif Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of ADSC, said: “The Abu Dhabi 10-kilometre Open Water Swimming World Cup 2015 is just one of our ongoing endeavours and effective steps towards the development of swimming in Abu Dhabi.

“We will continue hosting and organising such world-class events as that will prove our prominent presence in the map of global and international sporting championships.”

Al Awani added: “We are so keen to have effective international partnerships that will be beneficial for the development of our sports and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Ahmad Al Falasi, Chairman of the Emirati Swimming Federation, said the cooperation with the ADSC will open new horizons for the development of swimming in the UAE.