The Spartan Worldwide founder and CEO Joe de Sena is “impressed” with the Spartan World Championships venue and the preparations for the ground-breaking event at the Liwa desert in Al Dhafra from December 3-5.
It’s the first time ever the Spartan World Championship is staged outside the United States of American and the first of its kind in the Middle East.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, accompanied De Sena on a tour to the championships venue and discussed the upcoming event.
The Spartan World Championship is set to draw an elite field of men and women, and teams from around the world with competitions for juniors as well as the community events.
According to HE Al Awani, the plan is to attract major international events that consolidate Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub to host world class sporting events.
“We want to present an exceptional and impressive version of the Spartan World Championships to be staged for the first time ever outside America,” he said.
“We are very keen to harness all the elements in the success of this world championships for which we have been preparing ever since Abu Dhabi was given the opportunity.
“Our objective is to present a championship that will match Abu Dhabi’s prestigious international reputation and its leadership in organising world class sporting events.”
De Sena was overwhelmed by the inspection tour of the championship venue followed by a city tour to visit some of the iconic landmarks
“It indeed has been a wonderful visit to Abu Dhabi and getting acquainted with its beautiful landmarks, while reviewing the preparations,” he said.
“I extend my thanks and appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and its keenness to build a strong partnership with Spartan International, and of course their pioneering role to host the Spartan World Championships outside America.”
“The attendees are in for a treat in a unique weekend experience filled with amazing experiences rich Emirati culture and folklore as this event also coincides with the country’s golden jubilee National Day celebrations.”
HE Al Awani presented a memento from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to De Sena, who in turn presented the General Secretary and HE Suhail Al Arifi, Executive Director of the events sector at the sports council, the Spartan shield.
Programme:
• Thursday, December 2, 2021
- 3:00 pm - Buses arrive from Abu Dhabi Airport to Liwa
• Friday, December 3, 2021
3:30 - The start of the World Elite Championship races (women)
4:00 - Start of the World Elite Championship races (men)
6:00 - Evening Spartan Community Race begins
• Saturday, December 4, 2021
10:00 am - The start of the World Championship races for age groups
10:00 am - Start of the junior races
12:00 noon - start of the Beast Community Race (21km)
12:00 noon - start of the 21km-50km hill run
4:30 pm - The start of the World Team Championship races
6:00 pm - Awarding of winners and closing ceremony
