PARIS: Abdullah Al Wahaibi, the Head of the interim committee of the UAE Swimming Federation, confirmed that the federation has been working for some time on preparing a new generation of young swimmers and supporting them by participating in various local, Gulf, Arab, and Asian championships. The aim is to give them experience and refine their talents to bridge the gap that occurred with the retirement of many senior swimmers who were recently champions of the Gulf.

Al Wahaibi expressed his satisfaction with the achievements in the first Gulf Youth Games held in the UAE last April, which saw the participation of about 20 swimmers, none older than 14 years-a testament to the good work of the clubs and the national team committee.

Al Wahaibi noted that Yousef Al Matrooshi, who has now completed two years of study and training in America, is one of the best examples of commitment to training and ongoing communication, whether with the federation or Al Wasl Club. There is ongoing planning and strategies set to
involve him in championships that help him develop, pointing out that Yousef Al Matrooshi’s goal in participating in the Paris Olympics is to achieve the official Olympic qualifying time.

Al Wahaibi praised the significant role played by the General Authority for Sports through its sponsorship of the sports talent adoption program across various sports, where Yousef Al Matrooshi’s professional project is the fruit of this important program to support outstanding athletes.

Source: Emirates News Agency