One of Bahrain’s most important cultural events is set to return with a splash at the end of the month.
Featuring events such as fishing, diving, swimming and rowing, the Nasser Bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season, organised by the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth), will start at the end of August and continue until November.
The competition, one of the most prestigious in the kingdom, is held annually with the aim to revive Bahrain’s marine heritage for which the country has been famous since ancient times, when it was an important pearling centre in the region.
Mawrooth board member Ahmed Al Khalfan said that this year’s edition will feature four main competitions.
Mr Al Khalfan
“The popular rowing competition will make its return, alongside open swimming, the haddak fishing contest and the underwater breath-holding competition,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“The committee’s preparations are in full swing under the directives of chairman Khalifa Al Qaoud.
“This is one of the most important events on our calendar, and we have already put together teams for organising the competitions for the duration of the season.
“It is an important part of Bahrain’s culture and traditions, and reflects the rich heritage of the kingdom, especially since introducing young people to the competition will help preserve our identity for generations to come.”
Mr Al Khalfan sent an invitation to Bahraini youth to register and compete in the contests, stating that registration will remain open for the duration of the season.
All competitors will need to follow certain rules and regulations in order to be eligible to participate in their desired event. Participants need to be physically and mentally fit, should know how to swim well enough and need to have a valid CPR.
In the open swimming contest, competitors will be separated into two categories: those aged 30 to 45 and those aged 46 to 60. Each category will be divided into two races, 1,000 metres and 800m.
Other than goggles, competitors will not be allowed to use any tools or accessories that aid them in swimming.
All swimmers will have to be at the designated site at 7am, one hour before the 8am start, and fill all necessary forms ahead of the contest.
In the breath-holding competition, all divers will need to have the necessary licence to be able to compete.
Competitors will be taken to the diving sites by boats that will be authorised by the committee. They will then have to dive for about three to five metres underwater.
All participants will have to be at the Amwaj Marina by 7.30am, about one hour before the boats leave.
This is a traditional-style competition, so modern equipment are not allowed except for goggles, snorkels and weights. Participants will be tied to a rope, and for safety reasons, they are not allowed to untie themselves.
In the haddak fishing contest, participants will be divided into groups, with each boat containing two to five people, all of whom should have the necessary licences.
All boats will have to meet legal and safety requirements depending on the size of each group, determined by the Coastguard.
Participants will have to bring their own fishing equipment and bait, and they will not be allowed to sail towards designated swimming areas.
The competition site and timing has not been disclosed yet.
Rules for the rowing competition have not been released yet.
Participants can register for their desired competition by visiting almawrooth.org/registration-sea. They can also visit the Mawrooth Instagram page @mawroothbh for more information.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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