Wassim Naser, a professional long-distance swimmer and trainer, will be swimming non-stop from Beirut to Amchit, a staggering distance of 45km for more than 12 hours, on June 16th. The event will be held under the patronage of Mr. Faysal Karami, the caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports and is sponsored by Mobi, a leading Internet service provider in Lebanon.
"Devoting my swim to cleaner seas in Lebanon, I hope this event will raise awareness of the importance of keeping our coasts clean to preserve our marine environment," Naser said, adding: "This event is part of my broader plan to swim the entire coast of Lebanon in the upcoming year. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mobi for sponsoring this event and contributing to its success."
Naser will begin his race from Beirut at 4 a.m. and end in Port Amchit. He will be accompanied by coastal guards to ensure his safety during the swim and provide assistance if needed.
Naser will swim continuously and only stop to eat, which he will also do while in the water. Aside from the obvious threat of exhaustion and skin sores, he will face 12 hours of dangerous water currents and alternating weather conditions. 50 other swimmers will join Naser for the first 5km of the swim.
Background:
Naser made history in 2012 when he became the first Lebanese to swim 45 km nonstop from the southern city of Sidon to Beirut in 15 hours. The 38-year-old swimmer also founded Lebanon's first professional swimming school for children and adults (Professional Swimming Group) at Cap Sur Ville Country Club in 2004.
Aside from coaching, Naser currently heads Lebanon's Professional Swimming Association and is the Director of aquatic sports at the Metropolitan Sports Club in Beirut. Moreover, he has written a comprehensive book on swimming techniques, the benefits of the sport and the secrets of the sea.
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