CATHERINE W GICHUKI

DOHA OVER 380 young swimmers from around the region will take part in a three-day competition at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Zone from April 26 to 28.

The event called the ‘H2O Long Course Spring Cup 2012’ is being organised by the H2O Swim Club and it will see participants from 27 clubs from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar competing for honours.

It event will start on Thursday at 5pm although the opening ceremony will be held on Friday at 8.30 am.

Members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at the opening ceremony while the meet will be officiated by members of the Qatar Swimming Association.

Several local swimming clubs, including the Qatar national team and the Qatar 2012 Olympic team member Nada Arakji will take part in the competition There will be over 37 events including 1,500 metres free style and all strokes in 400 metres, 200 metres, 100 metres and 50 metres, in addition to individual medley and team relays. There will also be the H2O Vodafone Challenge in which top three swimmers will be awarded smartphones by Vodafone.

Speaking to Qatar Tribune on Tuesday, Managing Director of H2O Swim Club Seema Pascoe said that this would be the largest event ever hosted by the club to date.

“This will be our third annual H2O Long Course Spring Cup and we are very pleased with the continuous growth in its popularity,” she said.