ID :
364033
Sun, 04/19/2015 - 03:31
Auther :

Outstanding success for Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge 2015

Manama, Apr. 18 (BNA): In a new milestone for the Bahraini sports, world-renowned Australian swimmer Eric Watson impressed followers when he completed the second edition of Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, stretching 34,600 kilometres, from the Sunset Resort in Saudi Arabia to the Sofitel Resort in Bahrain, in 08:31:46. The timing means that he completed every 100 metres in 1 minute and 24 seconds, a record in such challenges that was not expected by specialists. Organised by the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Foundation for cancer patients in Bahrain, the challenge began on Saturday at the Sunset Resort in Saudi Arabia at 3 am, under the patronage and follow-up of the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) and President of the Bahrain Athletics Association Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His Majesty the King's Personal Representative for Youth and Charity Affairs, SCYS Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa was also present and swam along the Australian swimmer during the last kilometer until his arrival at the Sofitel Resort in Zallaq. Shaikh Nasser, senior sport officials and media persons welcomed Eric Watson on arrival. Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid extended sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, on the historic exploit, lauding the constant interest of the leadership in sports and in youth in the kingdom. "The second edition of the Khalid bin Hamad Challenge has shown anew the Kingdom's status and leading role in charity work and everything that serves humanity,” Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad said, commenting on the event. “This is because sports have gone beyond their role of providing games and entertainment and have become dedicated to doing good deeds, helping the needy and bringing joy to cancer patients and others." Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Khalid on the success of the swimming challenge and his support to cancer patients. He also congratulated the Australian swimmer for the outstanding success he had achieved in the kingdom and his participation in such as a noble humanitarian event, stressing cancer patients deserve such dedicated humanitarian efforts that show them that other people are truly compassionate with their conditions. Shaikh Khalid expressed delight over the success of challenge 2015, in which the most talented swimmer, Eric Watson, participated and completed the distance in a record time. This feat is a great achievement for the Bahraini sport and its role in humanitarian work, he said. Shaikh Khalid also praised swimmer Eric Watson's participation in the challenge aiming to serve the cancer patients and raise their morale and ensure their psychological welfare, stressing that his kind gesture is a living proof of his noble compassion and humanitarian feelings. "Our interest in cancer patients stems from our humanitarian responsibilities required by our Islamic religion, our genuine Arab traditions and the support of His Majesty King Hamad who is leading humanitarian efforts at local, regional and international levels," he said. "Cancer patients need us to share the pain they feel, and need our solidarity with them by providing them with all kinds of support, and the Swimming Challenge is the least we can we can do for our brothers and sisters – the cancer patients," Shaikh Khalid added. Shaikh Khalid followed up closely the challenge since its start at 03:00 am, encouraged Watson, swam with him in the last 100 metres, and crowned him with a gold medal when he finished. During the first four hours, in which winds ranged from 16 to 20 knots, Watson crossed 17 kilometres. However, the wind speed increased to 27 knots. Watsn planned to swim against the wind direction at first, and head afterwards to the arrival point – the Sofitel Resort and Hotel in Zallaq, following the direction of the waves in order to ease up the task. Throughout the Swimming Challenge, Watson had some nutrients and mineral water occasionally to get the essential salts for his body. Despite strong winds, he maintained his speed, and completed the overall distance at a rate of four kilometres per hour. During the first hours of the challenge, there were difficult moments with the increased wind speed and strength of the waves. The specialised teams of the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge followed closely the course of the race, each in their respective fields, including the weather forecast that provided the Challenge Management with all developments from time to time. Various teams from the Interior Ministry, including coast guards and police aviation, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the challenge. It also provided world swimmer MG, who swam along Eric Watson for various period, with nutrients. A large media team, comprising press and TV coverage, also followed the high-profile event. The first edition of the Khalid bin Hamad Challenge was held on March 14, 2014, under the patronage of Shaikh Nasser. Shaikh Khalid participated in the challenge and completed the 42-kilometre distance in 20 hours. The Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge 2014 was widely covered by media outlets and encouraged by many institutions and individuals, being an event where proceeds were allocated for a key social segment –cancer patients.

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