The Doha 2024 ambassadors have been visiting schools in Qatar to inspire the next generation as the first-ever World Aquatics Championships held in the Middle East look set to drive a legacy of aquatic sports participation in the region.
Prior to the inaugural visit of the Championships to Qatar, Doha 2024 unveiled nine ambassadors. Throughout the event, these ambassadors have been actively inspiring the youth of Qatar to embrace aquatic sports. They conducted exclusive coaching clinics and engaging question-and-answer sessions aimed at encouraging participation.
On 12 February 2024, former Olympic swimming medallists Anthony Ervin (USA) and Ranomi Kromowidjojo (Netherlands) led clinics at various schools in Doha. Leveraging their expertise, they mentored young swimmers and emphasised the positive impacts of engaging in aquatic sports, such as promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Following his clinic at the Hamilton International School, two-time World Champion Ervin emphasised the importance of children across the region taking up swimming. He expressed his inspiration after visiting the Hamilton International School and leading a clinic alongside the World Aquatics Championships. with the World Aquatics Championships. ‘The children were fully engaged in the session and there may be a couple of future Olympians amongst them! I hope that the children have been inspired because I know first-hand the opportunities that sport can bring in terms of friendships, living a healthy life and the chance to travel and meet the people of the world.’
Kromowidjojo headed to Doha College, where she was joined by Nada Mohamed Wafa, the first Qatari women to compete at the Olympic Games. She expressed her amazement at observing the event’s influence on children throughout Doha. ‘The children taking part in the clinic were all engaged with the Championships, and I am sure there will be an increase in participation as a direct result of the hosting here.’
For more information about World Aquatics Championships 2024, visit their website HERE.
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