Dubai To Become World Leading Destination For Open Water Swimming Sports

- Creation of Dubai Open Water Swimming Sports Association first step in attaining vision.- Inaugural 6.5km sea race from Atlantis to Mina Seyahi this Friday, 27th November 2009

Dubai is set to become a world leading destination for top flight international open water swimming after the formation of a new committee to establish and promote competitive open water swimming sports.

The Dubai Open Water Swimming Sports Association (DOWSSA) will provide programmes and services to the open water swimming sports community, sanction open water swimming sports competitions and will serve as an advocate for competitive open water swimming sports in the emirate.

In a joint announcement and to celebrate DOWSSA?s creation, a 6.5km open water swim, from Atlantis The Palm to the Mina Seyahi will be held on Friday 27th November, starting at 7am. The Palm Open Water Challenge Cup will form part of Sea Dubai Week being hosted by Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC).

DOWSSA is the brainchild of Mr Saeed Hareb, chairman of DIMC and his managing director, Mr Sid Bensalah. It brings together for the first time a growing number of individuals and groups in Dubai that have an interest in promoting and participating in competitive open water swimming sports.

Adam Winter, a founding member of DOWSSA committee and a member the Dubai Camels Water Polo Club, commented:

’The creation of DOWSSA is truly an exciting development in the world of open water swimming sports. Dubai has some of the most fantastic and globally recognizable settings around which to host such events and, crucially, the support from all levels within the community to really attain our vision of making Dubai a leading destination for open water swimming sports.

’The inaugural 6.5km Atlantis The Palm to Mina Seyahi, through the waterways of the stunning Palm Jumeirah is testament to this and we are grateful to both Atlantis The Palm and Nakheel for their permission to host this race. We have some very exciting plans in the pipeline that will blow the minds of swimmers and sports fans alike.’

DOWSSA will focus on providing individuals with the opportunity and incentive to pursue excellence in competitive open water swimming sports in the emirate of Dubai. It is committed to attaining a five point charter;

-To promote and encourage those living in Dubai to participate in all forms of open water swimming sports

-To make participation in such sports easy and enjoyable for everyone involved

-To promote health and fitness through competitive open water swimming sports

-To co-operate with other organizations for the betterment of open water swimming sports, with a focus on establishing new facilities and gaining permissions to host events

-To establish Dubai as a world leading destination for open water swimming sports

For more information or to set up interviews please contact:

(MEDIA) Greg Moore m: 055 885 4743 e: moore.greg1@gmail.com

(DOWSSA) Adam Winter m: 055 501 2468 e: awinter@cisco.com

Greg Moore
+971 55 885 GREG (4734)
+44 7748 96 86 95