Abu Dhabi, April 01: Fun and competition in the water, sky and on land have been mesmerising visitors at Al Gharbia Water Sport Festival, which concludes tomorrow.
The festival saw a debut of rowing-while-standing competition in addition to training sessions on kite surfing and kayaking. Traditional Souq activities, popular competitions and draws continued on the sidelines of the festival.
The third edition of the highly popular 10-day extravaganza initiated by the Western Region Development Council began on March 24. The festival is expected to have about 100,000 visitors this year from the country and the region, a double digit growth as compared to the 50,000 visitors reported in 2009. Last year’s edition attracted 70,000. The final figure for visitors will be revealed tomorrow, as the festival ends.
According to the organisers, more than 25 athletes from different nationalities lined up for the 700-metre professional swimming competition. South African Jasper Moka finished first with 7.57 minutes, followed by his compatriot Tom Berort with 7.59 minutes. The UAE’s Mohammed Abdul Rahim Al Hosani came third with 11.13 minutes. Many more participants were awarded prizes.
“It was a wonderful race,” said Al Hosani who stood third in the competition. “Long distance races better demonstrate the athlete’s ability. The festival was a success on all levels, particularly public presence and good organising aspects.”
Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, festival manager, said, “We are thrilled with the huge response to this championship. We have been trying to attract the largest number of entries possible from the Western Region. We are focusing on increasing the number of water sport disciplines in the festival programme year on year.”
–Agencies–