Volunteers for next month’s 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Dubai were told on Saturday they will be a key part of the event’s success.
Many of the 400 who have signed up to be part of the first-ever world swimming championships in the Middle East attended an induction day at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, the spectacular, new venue that will be the scene of five days of top-class racing.
Vice-Championships Director Dr Khalid Al Zahed, who gave a speech to the volunteers in attendance, said they would be integral to its smooth functioning.
“Volunteers are the backbone of every sports event and you will be a key part of this one, the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m),” he told them.
“You will help us to ensure it is an event of excellence that is fun, friendly and well-organised for spectators, athletes and media.
“Your contribution will be vital in ensuring we are able to deliver an event that offers a high level of hospitality and service in keeping with our aims, to showcase the United Arab Emirates, Dubai and the Championships in the best possible light.
“We look forward, with your help, to welcoming the world to our city next month and working together to ensure the success of the Championships.”
The volunteers were given presentations on all aspects of the Championships, which will feature 900 of the world’s best swimmers.
They will play a crucial role in all areas of operations from sports services to assisting with media, hospitality, meet-and-greet, transport and spectator services.
For some of those who attended Saturday’s induction it was a first view of the spectacular venue for the Championships, which is located on the Dubai Bypass Road, behind Global Village.
But for others it was a return visit as some of those present attended the first event at the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, the UAE President’s Swimming Championships that took place on November 5 and 6.
One volunteer present on Saturday was media student Saif Al-Naji who said the experience left him looking forward to the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) next month.
“There was a large amount of passion and energy amongst the volunteers. Everyone was really friendly and it is exciting to think I will be part of the World Championships in December,” he said
“The venue itself is very impressive and it is the largest swimming pool and complex I have ever seen. When spectators come in next month to watch some of the world’s best athletes in action then it will be an incredible place to be.
“From my own perspective, volunteering will allow me to gain experience, something I am sure will enhance my skills in the work place.”
Among the elite swimmers set to take part in the Championships are Geoff Huegill and Leisel Jones of Australia, Ryan Lochte and Rebecca Soni from the United States of America, FINA World Cup winner Therese Alshammar of Sweden, China’s Liu Zige, Italy’s Federica Pellegrini, Alain Bernard of France and Japan’s Ryosuke Irie.
The Championships are set to be the biggest, both in terms of numbers of athletes and also participating countries, in the history of the event, which stretches back to 1993.
Tickets for the 10
th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) are on sale and can be purchased at selected Spinneys stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well as at
www.boxofficeme.com or via the official Championships website: https://www.dubaiswimming2010.ae.
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