ABU DHABI, 25th October / WAM / The Asian Championships for the Optimist Division will begin next Sunday under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.
The championship is organized by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Emirates Modern Sailing and Rowing Federation, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, International Optimist Betting Association, Abu Dhabi Ports Sponsorship and the local Al Mariah Bank.
With more than 170 competitors from 29 countries taking part, the tournament is being hosted by the UAE for the first time and will run until November 5.
Participants will arrive next Saturday, the competitions will begin with official registration and selection on Sunday, then the official opening on October 30, and the winners will be crowned on the last day.
The details of the event were announced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Modern Sailing and Sailing Federation, and Salem Al Rumaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Marine, during a press conference held today at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Sports Club, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council was addressed by Saeed Al Muhairi, Director of the Sports Department, and Ajay Narang, Vice President of the African Asia Optimist Federation.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan expressed his delight at hosting the event, which sees wide international participation, and said: “Abu Dhabi is an important destination for all forms of sea sports and I am proud to have this number of participants. It brings a lot of responsibility and commitment to work in Emirates Sailing and Rowing Federation.” Talk about supporting the events organized by the Marine Club.”
Salem Al Rumaidi said: “We are hosting the Asia Optimist Championship for the first time, which is a strong addition to all the maritime championships and activities held in Abu Dhabi. The championship serves to promote sustainable racing that supports the club’s initiatives. Concerning the skill and fitness of seamen in handling boats.”
Saeed Al Muhairi said: “We are delighted to participate in organizing, hosting and supporting the Asian Championship and we believe it will provide the necessary addition to support our players, develop them and enhance their experience.”