"I could be No. 1 today in the 50-meter freestyle. I thank my coach and friends for their encouragement. I have participated in international championships. These competitions are very supportive for us..." said Iraqi swim club member Alle Hardi.
Athletes of different ages, girls and boys, participated in the competition.
"We as the swimmers from Koya have participated. We hope for a good result. This competition was timed with the commemoration of Halabja chemical attack. I wish for these kinds of activities to take place to elevate the anniversary," said swimmer Ahmed Jamal.
The championship was arranged by Swimming Union of Kurdistan.
"In the commemoration of Halabja chemical attack we were able to bring this championship to this city," Falah Mohammed, the union's head said.
Fifteen swimming clubs participated.
Reporting by Amal Naji
