Italian swimming sensation, Gregorio Paltrinieri, who led his team to victory in this week’s inaugural FINA Open Water Mixed Team Relay in Abu Dhabi, joined members of the Abu Dhabi community and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi for a beach clean-up at Al Bahia Beach on Yas Island, held on December 16.
The 27-year-old, who regularly does his part in helping protect the environment and raising awareness, took time out from his busy schedule to join more than 20 people, including young swimmers from a local swim club, Soul Sports, to help mitigate the problems caused by ocean debris and the danger inflicted on marine life.
Paltrinieri, a silver medalist in the 800m freestyle and bronze medalist in the 10km open water marathon at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, was also joined by the official mascot for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), Dana the Hawksbill Turtle, which is one of two endangered species of turtle that the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi works hard to rehabilitate back into their natural habitat.
Paltrinieri of Italy led his team to victory on Wednesday 15 December in the first Mixed Relay, contested at the 6km distance. His split of 15:49.1 was the fastest of the 9 teams. The star elite is among over 1,100 international, regional and Emirati swimmers that will be vying for glory in the showpiece global event, taking place from December 15-21.
Combining world-class athleticism with plenty of entertainment for the family to enjoy, fans attending the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will have access to the FINA World Aquatics Festival featuring open water swimming, diving and high diving and can also experience the ‘Market Street’ – an interactive event village packed with family-friendly entertainment, cultural learning experiences, retail booths and delicious food and beverage for all.
Tickets for the World Championships are available across several categories including individual race heats (starting from AED 10), individual race finals (starting from AED 25) and exclusive packages for all races (starting from AED 150). Family packages are also available for two adults and two children under the age of 16, and start from AED 50, for individual races and AED 500 for all races.
Tickets for the FINA World Swimming Championships (25 meters) can be purchased via EtihadArena.ae.
Source: Abu Dhabi Sports Council