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Fun in the sun at Abu Dhabi Beach Games

Any excuse to spend time frolicking on the beach and in the surf is fine by us and we’re really looking forward to another edition of the Abu Dhabi Beach Games, which starts today and continues until April 27.

Last year’s festival was very successful as more than 7,000 participants took part in the action and activities on and off the sand, and this year organisers are looking to build on that with even more in store for competitors and spectators alike.

Split into two phases – competitive events and casual fun and games for the public – the first phase (from March 31 to April 13) will see professional sailing and yacht competitions unfold in front of spectators lounging on the beach.

Also, for the first time in the region, the Games will play host to the world’s best Stand Up Paddleboarders who are coming down for the spoils that will come with winning Abu Dhabi’s inaugural All Stars Invitational, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club (ADSYC) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi SUP and Surf Association.

Leading athletes from the Stand Up Paddle World Tour and World Series – representing Hawaii, the USA, Australia, Brazil, France and Mexico – will descend on the capital for the Invitational taking place from April 4-7, the two venues being ADSYC and the globally acclaimed wave pool in Al Ain, Wadi Adventure.

An open racing event prior to the All Stars Sprint Race on Saturday, April 6 will provide an opportunity for SUP enthusiasts in town to get out on the water in men, women and youth divisions, with the top placed athletes advancing through to the main event to mix it up with the elite.

And on Sunday, April 7, a mass demo day and clinics will take place at ADSYC for those new to the hybrid surf sport. Other watersports running throughout the festival include kayaking, diving competitions (run with the support of the Emirates Diving Federation), Olympic rowing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and dhow sailing.

Meanwhile, up on shore, those wanting to stay dry and still join in the fun can get involved in beach volleyball and football, as well as basketball, Tug-of-War and more.

Alongside demos for these sports, there will also be plenty of special activities for the little ones, plus a Heritage Village on site.

Participation in the festival is open for all segments and categories of the community including male and female school and college students.

Registration forms are available at Gates 3 and 4, Corniche (Abu Dhabi) or you can write in at register@adsyc.ae to be a part of the event.

WHAT: Abu Dhabi Beach Games.

WHEN: March 31-April 27.

WHERE: Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, Wadi Adventure (Al Ain).

CONTACT: Log on to www.adsyc.ae

SCHEDULE:

April 2 - Tug of war
April 3 - Olympic rowing
April 4-5 - Water wind surfing championship/World Stars (First round in Al Ain City, Second round in Abu Dhabi ) - April 4-6
April 6 - Lunch race (boats)
April 7 - Water wind surfing lecture
April 7-10 - Beach volleyball
April 11 - 22ft sailboats race
April 12 - Catamaran boats race
April 12 - Sea bottom cleaning
April 13 - Optimist boats race
April 13-27 - Beach volleyball, beach football, wind surfing

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