Nadine Mustafa His Excellency Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, attended on Saturday the signing ceremony between the World Aquatic Federation (WAF) and the Egyptian Swimming Federation (ESF). According to the agreement, a series of international aquatic sports competitions will be held in Somabay, located in the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada.
The ceremony was attended by Captain Pilot Husain Al Musallam, President of WAF, Eng. Yasser Idris, Chairman of the Egyptian Swimming Federation, Eng. Ibrahim Zaher, General Secretary of The Egyptian Swimming Federation, and Eng. Ibrahim El-Missiri, CEO of Abu Soma Touristic Development Company.
The agreement is planned to comprise of three international aquatic events including: Water Ballet World Cup, World Beach Water polo qualification tournaments and Open Water Swimming Championship. Additionally, 600 participants worldwide are expected to be taking part throughout the span of the events that will start by May 2023.
On this occasion, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted keenness on hosting major international tournaments in various games throughout the year. He placed great emphasis on the importance of taking advantage of Egypt’s potential, including the sports infrastructure built in accordance with international standards, deluxe hotels, modern road and transportation network, in addition to organizational and administrative expertise.
Moreover, the minister indicated the coordination with the organizing committee for the international aquatic sports championships, which will take place in Soma Bay, and efforts to achieve their success like various championships held in Egypt. He thanked the World Aquatic Federation for entrusting Egypt’s capabilities to host the championships.
For his part, Eng. Yasser Idris, Chairman of the Egyptian Swimming Federation, expressed delight for hosting this series of international sporting events in Egypt, highlighting the Ministry of Youth and sports’ unlimited support. He also valued WAF’s confidence in Egypt, noting that this would place more responsibility on us to appear in a presentable manner and draw the world’s attention towards our ability to organize similar events, which reinforces the chances for turning Egypt to become a hub for international sports.
“We are honored to be part of these prominent sporting events, allowing us to collaborate with strong entities and federations, namely Ministry of Sports & Youth along with the WAF and ESF,” Eng. Ibrahim El-Missiri, CEO of Abu Soma Touristic Development Company said. “Promoting sports has always been an integral part of Somabay’s strategy, wherein we are keen on creating an enduringly positive impact on the Egyptian sports industry to put Egypt on the global map of hosting major international sporting events.”
With significant remark, Somabay has consistently been hosting various international activities, entertaining events as well as grasping competitions that receive contestants from all countries, in which becoming a main attraction for tourists, especially young people. These vigorous efforts have noticeably become a great contribution to the sports industry and tourism in Egypt.
