The Official Abu Dhabi Delegation visited FINA HQ in Lausanne, Switzerland, the governing body for aquatics worldwide, to continue key preparations for the highly anticipated FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), which is taking place at Yas Island’s hugely impressive Etihad Arena from 16 – 21 December, featuring more than one thousand athletes, representing more than 180 nationalities.
The visit to FINA HQ was attended by HE Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, HE Sultan Al Samahi, President of the UAE Swimming Federation, Abdulla Alwheibi, Tournament Director and Suhail Abdulla AlAreefi, Executive Director of Events Sector. Members of the FINA Higher Committee were also in attendance, including Brent Nowicki, FINA Executive Director and Taha Al Kishry, FINA Bureau Member.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the success of the visit and meeting between the local organizing committee of the aquatic festival and the Higher Committee, which touched on multiple important topics, as world-renowned elite swimmers and athletes prepare to head to Abu Dhabi in December for the significant international event.
Al Awani added: "Abu Dhabi and Yas Island in particular will be the focus of the world's attention, and we will work with the International Swimming Federation and partners, to present a tournament that reflects Abu Dhabi's global position."
The total prize pool for the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) is $ 2.8 million, making it the largest prize awarded in the history of the championship.
The tournament will see a 50% increase in prize money for individual achievements, and any swimmer who sets a new individual world record will receive $50,000 (or equivalent value in local currency). The final list of athletes participating in all events will be confirmed in November.
