Sunday, Oct 17, 2010
Gulf News
Stjepanovic and Mileham finish on top
Abu Dhabi Swimmers from ages seven to 60, swarmed the Corniche area to attend the inaugural Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival.
The participants made the event a huge success in the presence of British swimming sensation Francesca Halsall, winner of five medals at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Among the 700 participants across various categories, it was 17-year-old Serbian Velimir Stjepanovic and 18-year-old South African Megan Mileham who won premier races in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Halsall, the 20-year-old Briton presented the winner’s cheque of Dh5,000 each to Stjepanovic and Mileham and had a word of praise for the enthusiasm of the swimmers who took part.
‘Beautiful coastline’
“It’s absolutely lovely and I have enjoyed it every bit here since I came three days ago. Such a beautiful coastline and to swim in here, it is fantastic. Everyone here, from seven years old to 60 are taking part, it is fantastic and encouraging,” said Hansall.
Men’s winner Stjepanovic said, “I’m really happy with my performance, I knew I would do well. I’ll definitely come back next year.”
“I’ve been swimming since the age of five and my ultimate aim is to take part in the Olympic Games,” the Serbian said.
Mileham, who came out on top among the women said, “I have a huge phobia of swimming in the sea so I’m pleased that I did so well. I’m pretty exhausted now, as I’m a sprint swimmer. I’ll be back next year to see if I can win again.”
“It’s been a great first year and it gives us a great platform from which to build the event. Congratulations to all the entrants today who conquered the Corniche” said Jamie Cunningham, the Festival Organiser from Professional Sports Group.
Offering support
Hazen Al Nowais, COO, Waha Land, a subsidiary of Waha Capital said, “Abu Dhabi’s inaugural Swimming Festival has been an overwhelming success, with hundreds of people congregating on the Corniche to take part in the festival or cheer-on friends and family.”
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival 2010 was held under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Beaches and was supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the UAE Swimming Association.
Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News
Full of enthusiasm
Participants during the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival ?at the Corniche yesterday.
swimming
It’s absolutely lovely and I have enjoyed it every bit here since I came three days ago. Such a beautiful coastline and to swim in here, ?it is fantastic.”
Francesca Halsall
Commonwealth medallist
By M. Satya Narayan?Senior Reporter
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