The international humanitarian initiative in which swimmers from various countries took part was to raise funds for cancer patients. It also highlighted the special and historic bonds between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
HH Shaikh Khalid achieved the unprecedented athletic exploit by swimming from one county to the other continuously with the steady support of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, SCYS Chairman and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC).
The international dimension of the event and the participation of several swimmers from countries as far as the US and Australia was a clear indication of Bahrain’s commitment to the international community and to the values of bringing people together, regardless of their nationalities and backgrounds, and contributing actively to a world of peaceful co-existence, compassion and caring where pains are alleviated and sufferings are eased.
Several officials, members of parliament, diplomats and leading sports figures lauded the humanitarian initiative and praised the feat, saying that it reflected a strong determination to confront challenges, brave adverse weather elements and swim long distances for the sake of a humanitarian cause.
The challenge was hailed as an opportunity that brought together 70 swimmers from diverse backgrounds in a show of mutual tolerance and support and in a remarkable display of deep commitment to serving people in need.
The feat was described as a new indication of the historic relations, close ties and direct links between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and a new bridge of understanding and cordiality between several cultures and civilizations through the presence of several athletes from a large spectrum of countries.
HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who attended the final stages of the challenge paid tribute to the positive intercultural spirit that marked the challenge.
The royal support was to the initiative another indication of the string encouragement to young people and sports as well as to social solidarity and mutual assistance and to international understanding and tolerance.