Hamdan at opening of World Swimming Championships

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, graced on Wednesday the grand opening ceremony of the 10th Fina World Swimming Championships at the state-of-the-art Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex.

The opening ceremony was attended by HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Emirates Group; Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information Department; Humaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education; Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development; and a number of senior officials, leaders of local sports community and Fina President Julio Maglione.

Dr Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said the world sporting event, which is being hosted by the UAE for the first time in the Middle East, attracts about 800 swimmers from 150 countries vying for top titles over the five-day games.

Mohammed Al Falasi, Chairman of UAE Swimming Association, announced a plan to deliver teach 10,000 children basic swimming programmes in coordination with Dubai Sports Council.

Speaking about the venue of the championship, Fina President Julio Maglione said: "It's beautiful! One of the best venues I have seen, really excellent. This will be wonderful for the future of swimming in the region.

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