Abu Dhabi rowers complete 400km island tour to celebrate emirate’s natural beauty
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, commended a community sports team for accomplishing a 400km rowing challenge in the emirate.
Active Abu Dhabi, a team of four lead rowers and three support crew, successfully completed the challenge of rowing between 11 Abu Dhabi Islands in 10 days to honor the natural beauty of the emirate.
Sheikh Khaled met with the team and praised their outstanding achievements and efforts in promoting community-wide active participation in outdoor activities.
He encouraged the group to continue participating in initiatives that raise awareness of the natural environment while connecting the wider community through sport.
The rowers travelled from the far western border of Abu Dhabi to Yas Island, highlighting the importance of preserving marine life.
After setting off from Ghagha on November 1, they made daily stops at Dalma, Sir Baniyas, Fatayer, Al Bazm, Marawah, Salahah, Al Jirab, Al Nouf, and Nurai. They camped at some of the islands overnight before continuing their journey the following day.
The team completed the inaugural Row Abu Dhabi on November 10 after reaching Yas Island. The achievement was inspired by Mansour Al Dhaheri, who swam 65km around Abu Dhabi Island in March and participated in the row.
Using four coastal rowing boats during a 26-week training camp, the team rowed 15 million meters to prepare for the challenge.
Supported by Khalifa University and event sponsors, the challenge was launched by Active Abu Dhabi to promote the environment surrounding the capital and lead a series of yearly programs designed to encourage more people to participate in sports activities.
The team’s success has also sparked hope for the establishment of an Olympic rowing program in the emirate.
“There were moments throughout the 10-day mission where we did not think we would finish,” said Dr. Paul Walker, a Hintsa performance coach and Active Abu Dhabi program manager. “All the work put in by the entire team really paid off. We pulled together to overcome all the obstacles in what was another hugely successful step on the Active Abu Dhabi journey.”
Published: November 22, 2023, 2:24 PM
Sheikh Khaled praises the remarkable accomplishments of Abu Dhabi rowers
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