International Rafting Federation urges UAE to continue developing local talent
Wadi Adventure, the Middle East's pioneering whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing destination, was commended by the organizers and competitors of the recently concluded 2016 World Rafting Championship (WRC) for a superb hosting job that resulted in one of the tournament’s most thrilling and challenging editions till date.
The first UAE outing of WRC ran from November 1 to November 5 2016 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. A total of 85 teams from 28 countries competed in the Sprint, Head-to-Head, Slalom and Downriver disciplines of the R4 (four-man) -class tournament. Brazil and Great Britain emerged as the overall winners, while the UAE National Rafting Team delighted local spectators with its tournament debut.
The officials from the International Rafting Federation (IRF) commended Wadi Adventure for being a superior venue for holding international rafting competitions and developing future talents. Federation officials strongly encouraged the UAE to continue fielding participants in such tournaments and commended the fledgling national team for its valiant efforts to keep up with veteran competitors representing some of the world’s best rafters. They also discussed possibilities for cooperation in future IRF-sanctioned events with Wadi Adventure.
Mr. Nilesh Mistry, General Manager – Wadi Adventure stated, “We are still elated over the championship results which exceeded everyone’s expectations and set regional benchmarks on how to host high-caliber water sport tournaments. Wadi Adventure looks forward to accommodating more international events and thanks the sponsors and local officials led by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for helping ensure the success of this year’s tournament which was a first for the UAE. We are very proud of the professionalism and enthusiasm our staff displayed and we also highly appreciate the energy of the crowds that came day after day to cheer on the contestants.”
The 2016 World Rafting Championship was organized by Wadi Adventure and International Rafting Federation in cooperation with Three60 Leisure. It was fully supported by Tamouh Investments Group as the main sponsor, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Police; media Sponsors Abu Dhabi Media, Abu Dhabi Sports and Yas TV; other sponsors Trojan, Belvedere, Mubadala, Tafawuq Facility Management, Al Ain Water and Jobe Watersports; and valued partners Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Eastern Motors Jeep, Green Mubazzarah Chalets, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain Distribution Company, Al Ain City Municipality, Techno Gym, Universal Hospital, Aster Clinique, Abu Dhabi Airport, Dubai Airport and Hemaya Security Services.
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