Doha: Over 250 future stars of the swimming world and almost 150 of their coaches have confirmed their participation in the Youth Programme that will be held during the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) here from December 3-7.
Developed by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), under the patronage of QOC General Secretary H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Youth Programme is the first of its kind and will run in parallel with the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m).
Part of Qatar’s commitment as host nation to help develop the sport of swimming globally, the Youth Programme has been created with the goal of inspiring and motivating future world champions, record holders and Olympians of swimming.
Young athletes, who have already proven to be stand out talents in their country, will get a chance to experience the world championships first hand, gaining real insight into international competition. Under the expert guidance of renowned coaches, they will learn the latest training techniques, share their experiences with fellow young swimmers and have the opportunity to talk with their swimming idols.
H E Sheikh Saoud said: “This is a special year for swimming in Qatar because we are staging a number of key international events in the world of aquatic sports with our partners — the Qatar Swimming Association and FINA. It is up to us to use our status as host nation and the power of those events to inspire the next generation of swimmers not just in Qatar but around the world. That is what the Youth Programme is all about and we are very proud to be bringing this vision to reality.”
President of the Qatar Swimming Association Khaleel Al Jabir said: “We have some of the best facilities for aquatic sports in the region here in Qatar, proven not least by the fact that this year we become the first country in FINA history to host both a World Cup and a World Championships. To be able to open up those facilities to promising young talents from all over the world is something quite special and we hope that what they learn and experience in Doha in December will motivate them to continue to pursue their sporting dreams.”
Youth Programme participants will not only experience a memorable sporting experience but they will also get a chance to explore and learn about the rich cultural heritage and ambitions future plans of Qatar.
An emerging young nation with a vibrant and multicultural society, Qatar is the perfect location for a youth program that shares many of the characteristics of the youthful participants, connected by a desire to be truly world-class. This would be a great opportunity for the swimmers to gain exposure in major international events and familiarise themselves with a competition week format, as well as learn from the most talented coaches and star athletes in the sport today.
THE PENINSULA
