Amateur swimmers get set to take the plunge at Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival

ABU DHABI // More than 1,000 amateur swimmers are expected to take part in the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival on February 28 at the Emirates Palace beach.

The Emirati brothers Obaid, Saeed, Bakheet and Faisal Al Jasmi held a swimming masterclass for schoolchildren at Emirates Palace beach on Monday in preparation for the festival.

Sponsored by Daman, the national health insurance company, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the festival is a fun, family swimming event that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.

Obaid Al Jasmi, the oldest of the Al Jasmi brothers, said: “Today was a wonderful opportunity to work with a number of school students in the run-up to the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival by Daman’s Activelife, and we are delighted to be a part of such a great event.

“The event will inspire and encourage the youth of the UAE to take up swimming and make the most of the country’s coastlines and swimming facilities.”

Dr Sven Rohte, chief commercial officer at Daman, said: “With the increase of childhood obesity it has become more important than ever to encourage youngsters to take up sports and lead healthier lifestyles.

“We look forward to welcoming over 1,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities to take to the waters and help promote swimming as a fun and active form of exercise.”