(ATR) Athletes and support teams are making their way to Qatar ahead of the start of the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games.
Organizers report the contingents from Switzerland, the United States, Mexico and Cape Verde arrived on Tuesday. Senegal and Tunisia are expected later in the day.
"The arrival of some of the best beach athletes in the world has created a new level of excitement for the Games,"ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said.
"It is now only a matter of days until the start of the Games and the sense of anticipation and enthusiasm amongst all stakeholders is palpable."
The opening ceremony for the multi-sport event is Saturday but the beach handball and beach soccer competitions begin on Friday in Doha.
Organizers say 1237 athletes from 97 countries will compete in 14 disciplines across 13 sports from Oct. 11-16.
The 350 medals on offer are shaped like an ocean pebble, with engravings of marine life including dolphins, crabs, coral and various fish found all over the globe.
Organizers say the medals were inspired by beach sport’s beautiful connection to nature, and capturing that essence has been a priority for the ANOC World Beach Games.
"These games are symbiotic with nature, and our mission has been to create the first multisport event that leaves positive impacts on local environments and local communities. These innovative medals symbolize both the success of the elite athletes, and our harmonious relationship with the environment." said Lindberg.
ANOC says admission to the Games will be free to the public.
There will be four venues hosting the various competitions. Aquathlon, 3x3 Basketball, Karate Kata Individual, Kitefoil Racing, Beach Soccer, Open Water 5km, Beach Tennis and Beach Wrestling will be at Katara Beach.
The Al Gharafa courts will host Beach Handball and Volleyball 4x4 while Bouldering and Skateboarding will be at Aspire Park. The Ritz-Carlton at Leqtaifiya Lagoon hosts the Waterski and Wakeboard competitions.
The Athletes Village, located at the Ezdan Hotel, is situated just north of the city center along the coast and south of the Katara Beach cluster.
Fans will be able to watch live streaming of competitions on a new website, launched for the event.
The official Games app, AWBG 2019, can be downloaded on Google Play and the Apple Store. It is designed to enhance the fan experience and keep them up-to-date on the latest scores and news.
Homepage photo: Qatar Public Works Authority
Written by Gerard Farek
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