Barri Harmsworth says Adil Khalid is a role model among Emiratis: 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race
Technical consultant at the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, Barri Harmsworth believes that the Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew member, Adil Khalid, has the capability to promote the game among the
youngsters in UAE during 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race. According to Harmsworth, Adil Khalid was already a role model among many young Emiratis.
While talking to the local press about the Emirati Adil Khalid, Harmsworth said, "The legacy will come out of Adil Khalid. Mr Khalid's main role would be to build up a bigger interest in sailing among
his compatriots."
He added, "Once he sails into Abu Dhabi and under the local spotlight, he has to speak out loud about sailing and get a chance to speak publicly about what he's done. He is already a role model among
Emiratis."
Khalid will be the first Arab to take part in the race at Abu Dhabi as a crew member of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, skippered by Ian Walker. The third leg of the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race will commence
at Abu Dhabi on December 11, 2012.
Khalid has already represented UAE in the Beijing Olympics 2008. Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 is not the first international sailing event in Abu Dhabi; the city has already hosted the International World
Sailing Championships 1998 and Louis Vuitton Trophy 2010.
The race organisers are constructing a 55,000m2 ‘Destination Village’ on the Abu Dhabi Corniche breakwater for the better arrangement of the event. The construction will be handled by Tourism
Development and Investment Company (TDIC). The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is funding the event and they expect 100,000 spectators at the race.
While speaking to the reporters, the Director General ADTA and Managing Director TDIC, Mubarak Al Muhairi said “It will be the place to be at the beginning of 2012 and will be marked by a sensational
New Year’s Eve celebration. It will also allow visitors to connect with our rich maritime heritage as well as the history of the Volvo Ocean Race and to discover more about sailing.”
The Emirates Palace Marina manager, Toby Haws, believes that the competition will spark a sensation among the young Emiratis who are interested in sailing.
Tags: