June 30, 2010: Dubai, UAE -  The Organising Committee for Dubai 2010 and Dubai Sports Council were joined by senior FINA executives for the launch of the Official Mascot for the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) to be held in Dubai from 15-19 December 2010.

The mascot, a turtle called Ehmisa, was unveiled at the Mina A Salam Hotel today. He arrived onboard an Abra escorted by a group of children who were on hand to introduce him to the waiting crowd.

“Ehmisa” is the Arabic name for turtle and he will be the Ambassador for swimming in the UAE during the Championships.

Part of the comprehensive promotional campaign for these world swimming championships incorporates the initiative launched earlier this year by Dubai Sports Council to teach 10,000 children to swim. Ehmisa will lead this program into schools and swimming clubs within the UAE.

Dubai 2010 will be the first time that the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) will be held in the Middle East. These championships will be held at the Dubai Sports Complex within Dubailand. This 10,000 capacity venue when complete will be the largest indoor swimming arena in world. It will be part of the legacy of these championships for Dubai.

The first National Federation to register for participation was Mauritania, and over 120 teams have now expressed their intention to compete. Team USA is expected to have the largest contingent with over 75 swimmers, coaches and medical staff attending.

Over the 5 days it is expected that these world swimming championships will attract over 30,000 visitors, over 1000 swimmers and 250 media from over 140 countries. Tickets for the championships will go on sale in September.