(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info)
Abu Dhabi: The prize pool for the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will be the biggest ever for a FINA swimming event.
The competition takes place at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena on December 16-21, with the world's best short-course swimmers going head-to-head over a six-day period.
FINA President Husain Al-Musallam has announced the event will include a prize pool of $2.8million (USD), making it the highest amount in any FINA competition.
Prize money for individual events has increased by 50 percent, while any swimmer who sets a new individual world record will receive $50,000 (USD).
Al-Musallam said:“Exactly two months ago, when I took office, I promised the aquatics family that I would prioritize athletes, increase prize money and ensure there is no discrimination in our sport. This announcement honours this commitment.”
The 15th instalment of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), made up of 44 separate events, will take place in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
Originally scheduled for 2020, the competition will feature men's and women's events in all four strokes - freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly - along with the individual medley and relays.
In June, it was announced that Youssef Al Matrooshi and Layla Al Khatib had been selected to represent the UAE at the event.
Al Matrooshi, 18, was the UAE flag-bearer at the Tokyo Olympics, where he competed in the men's 100-metre freestyle, while 15-year-old Al Khatib represented the UAE at the Arab Championships in 2019, producing a string of brilliant performances to win three gold medals and one silver.
About Abu Dhabi Sports Council :
Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
ADSC is aligned to the emirate's leadership vision to develop sport and youth activities. The Council promotes an effective, emirate-wide sports calendar that stimulates the desire to participate in quality sports among all Abu Dhabi residents and helps the talented and motivated reach their sporting potential.
The Council also hosts and supports the staging of international world-class sporting events, including the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the ITU World Triathlon Series, the Abu Dhabi Invitational, the Gary Player Invitational, the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Final, the Red Bull Air Race, the hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race round-the-world sailing epic, the Abu Dhabi Cycling Tour and the 2015 Nomura Cup.
We at ADSC firmly believe that sporting events deliver a host of benefits for the emirate and its residents. These span improved health and wellness, the building of community spirit, the discovering of local talent and the delivery of international exposure of the emirate as a world-class sporting events hub.
Whether it is land, sea or air, we have sport covered.
ABOUT FINA :
The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), founded in 1908, is the governing body for aquatics worldwide. FINA's five disciplines - Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming - are all included in the Olympic programme. High Diving made its first appearance in FINA events at the 2013 FINA World Championships. FINA counts 209 affiliated National Federations across five continents and its headquarters are based in Lausanne (SUI).
FINA has partnered with world-wide brands over the years which strengthen the value around the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m). A magnificent event distributed to over 200 territories globally, welcoming the participation of approximately 950 athletes from over 175 countries, competing in 46 events over a 6-day format. This world-class competition is complemented by the FINA World Aquatics Convention which brings together the aquatic's community in a unique B2B experience.
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