Our Initiative
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of our initiative aimed at elevating the sport of freediving in Egypt to the status it deserves. This document clarifies the integrated dimensions of our efforts, the details of our sport, the importance of safety, and our call for broad community participation.
Who We Are?
We are independent individuals and Egyptian citizens, united by a common passion for the sport of freediving. Whether we are seasoned professionals or dedicated supporters, our goal is one: to achieve official recognition for this sport in Egypt. Each of us carries a unique story of challenges and ambitions, and our stories are the fuel for our unity.
Independent Individuals & Citizens
We are from the heart of the Egyptian community, working with passion and love for the sport of freediving, and striving for a better future for it and its people.
Our Unity is Our Strength
Our belief in solidarity and teamwork is the cornerstone of our initiative. Together, we make a difference.
Our Stories Inspire Change
Every story of hardship or success is a motivation for us. We share our stories to raise awareness and rally support for our cause.
Engagement with Realistic Solutions
We do not just present problems; we engage and propose practical and sustainable solutions to correct the course.
Importance of Community Participation
Our initiative relies on the participation of every individual. Your voice, expertise, and support are essential to our success.
A Call to Correct the Course
We work together towards building a legal and regulatory framework that ensures the rights of all and pushes the sport towards prosperity.
What is Freediving? And Why Egypt?
What is Freediving?
Freediving is a unique sport that relies on holding breath underwater, without the use of any artificial breathing apparatus. It is practiced by divers to reach certain depths or stay underwater for long periods, with intense focus on breath control, relaxation, and physical and mental fitness. It is not just a sport, but a philosophy that combines physical challenge with mental clarity.
Freediving is NOT snorkeling! Snorkeling is a recreational surface activity using a snorkel, while freediving is a professional sport that requires intensive training and deep knowledge of the body physiology and safe techniques for descending to depths.
Why is Egypt the Ideal Place for Freediving?
- Unique Geographical Location:Egypt enjoys stunning coastlines on the Red and Mediterranean Seas, providing unparalleled marine environmental diversity.
- Breathtaking Coral Reefs:The Red Sea is famous for its pristine coral reefs and rich marine life, making it a paradise for divers.
- Perfect Weather Year-Round:Egypt sunny climate allows for freediving at any time of the year, attracting tourists and instructors.
- Deep and Famous Dive Sites:Such as the Blue Hole in Dahab, which is a global destination for freediving and attracts professionals from everywhere.
Pillars of Our Initiative
Recreational and Tourism Aspect
This pillar aims to establish a legal and regulatory framework for recreational activities and services related to freediving, including professional recognition and inclusion within the Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS).
Professional and Sporting Aspect
This pillar focuses on supporting Egyptian athletes, developing infrastructure such as building Olympic swimming pools, and obtaining support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to represent Egypt internationally.
Safety First: A Non-Negotiable Principle
Never Dive Alone
The golden rule of freediving. A qualified buddy must always be present.
Equipment Maintenance
Continuously ensuring the safety and quality of all equipment before every dive.
Continuous Education and Training
Freediving is an extreme sport that requires specialized and ongoing training to ensure safe practice.
Explore the World of Freediving
- Static Apnea:The challenge of holding your breath for as long as possible underwater.
- Dynamic Apnea:Diving for the farthest horizontal distance underwater, with or without fins.
A Call to Athletes and the Community
Freediving is not just a sport; it is a lifestyle and a unique experience that opens doors for everyone. We invite athletes from various disciplines and professionals from all fields to contribute to this vision.
Integration of Sports
Athletes from swimming, running, and cycling can find a new challenge and an opportunity to develop their physical and mental abilities in this endurance sport.
Lifestyle
Freediving promotes healthy habits, provides powerful tools to combat stress and anxiety, and improves decision-making abilities under pressure.
Community Participation
We need diverse expertise from specialists, researchers, doctors, engineers, investors, and lawyers to establish legal and legislative frameworks and regulations specific to the activity and its professionals, and to develop infrastructure and achieve sustainable growth.
The Impact on Individual and Society
Personal Development
Enhances calmness and self-discipline. Reduces stress and promotes inner peace.
Environmental Awareness
Encourages the protection of the marine environment.
Economic Growth
Boosts tourism and provides job opportunities.
The Main Problems
Professional Discrimination
The lack of official recognition in the Ministry of Manpower and the relevant ministries and bodies concerned with freediving activity and its professionals, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Chamber of Diving and Marine Activities, compared to other professions, deprives professionals of their rights and creates clear discrimination and an unsafe environment to perform their duties.
Lack of Support
The lack of official recognition consequently leads to the absence of material and service support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the sport of freediving and its professionals to develop sports services to participate in international and local championships and to create a vital infrastructure and the spread of the sport and awareness of its benefits in an organized manner.
Economic Losses
The lack of official recognition leads to the waste of tax revenues and creates an unorganized work environment, and unfair competition as many foreigners work in freediving in egypt without official work permits, which reduces job opportunities for Egyptian professionals, and creates other learning and development obstacles that prevent Egyptian talents from joining or developing.
Our Proposed Solution
Step 1: Official Recognition
Granting official recognition to the profession of freediving in the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Tourism.
Step 2: Developing Infrastructure
Supporting diving clubs and centers and related venues providing freediving activities, and providing the necessary infrastructure for training and competitions.
Step 3: Promoting Tourism
Promoting Egypt as a global destination for freediving, and organizing international competitions.
The Roadmap: Towards Change
Change does not happen by chance, but with a clear and deliberate plan of action. Our belief in our unity is our strongest tool, and through it, we will follow a path of sustainable actions to present the crisis and participate in its solutions. This is our proposed roadmap to reach our ultimate goal.
1Unity and Solidarity
Building a united front of all freediving professionals and enthusiasts in Egypt.
2Legal Action
Submitting official and documented complaints to the labor office and regulatory bodies.
3Official Communication
Sending letters to the concerned ministries (Manpower, Sports, Tourism).
4Regulation and Legislation
Participating in the development of laws and regulations that ensure transparency and fairness for all.
Benefits of Recognition
Protecting Rights:
Protecting the rights of freediving professionals and ensuring a safe and fair work environment.
Boosting Economy:
Increasing tourism revenues and creating new job opportunities.
Developing Talents:
Developing Egyptian talents in the sport of freediving and enabling them to compete globally, supported by the latest tools and required facilities.
Growth and Prosperity:
Creating a legal and practical environment for the growth and spread of the sport and its various activities in Egypt, which in turn supports tourism and the economy and enhances Egypt reputation as a leading destination for marine sports.
Additional Takeaways & Clarifications
Economic Growth
Official recognition will open new horizons for sports tourism and increase national income.
Global Leadership
Egypt has the potential to become a global hub for freediving if the sport is properly supported.
Infrastructure Development
Recognition will encourage investment in infrastructure, such as diving centers and clubs.
Community Empowerment
A recognized community can better organize, train, and ensure the safety of its members.
Legal & Labor Rights
Official recognition guarantees the labor rights of professionals, from insurance to fair contracts.
International Presence
Recognition is the first step towards forming national teams that can compete in international forums.
An Organized & Safe Community
Recognition means establishing official bodies to regulate the sport, set safety standards, and issue licenses.
Education & Training
Develop accredited training programs to build a new generation of professional and amateur divers.
Sports Tourism
Egypt can host international championships, attracting tourists and media, and boosting the economy.
Current Obstacles
The lack of recognition leads to random practices and negatively affects the sport and its professionalism.
Legal & Insurance Void
Professionals work without legal protection or insurance, putting them and their families at risk.
Technology & Modernization
Recognition will allow for the adoption of modern technologies in training and safety, enhancing the level of the sport.
Our Dreams for the Future
We dream of a future where freediving thrives in Egypt, and opportunities are available for all its people to represent their country at the highest levels. Here are some of our dreams that we seek to achieve with official recognition and joint support:
A deep swimming pool in the New Administrative Capital
Providing a world-class facility for training and preparation in the heart of modern Egypt.
Support for our national athletes
Providing the necessary support to train our athletes to compete and achieve Egyptian records in local and international championships.
Every sports club with professional instructors
Including freediving in clubs and providing professional support for its members.
An Olympic swimming pool in Dahab
Building an integrated facility in the \"Mecca of Freediving\" to support professional training.
Modern platforms and facilities
Providing modern training platforms at deep diving sites like the Blue Hole.
Hosting world championships
Facilitating Egypt hosting of world freediving championships, which enhances its tourism and sports status.