Ooredoo partners with Freediving Instructors International for freediving safety session

Ooredoo Maldives, in partnership with Freediving Instructors International (FII), has announced an exclusive event dedicated to the growing freediver community in the Maldives.

Titled “Safe Beneath the Surface: Freediving Safety Session with a World Champion,” this important session aims to support increased safety measures when diving, helping to avoid incidents and promoting best practices. The event will take place at 8.00 pm on 3rd July 2024 at Ooredoo Maldives Headquarters in Hulhumale’.

The session will be led by two renowned speakers from FII – the first and only recreational freediving education agency in the United States with an international reputation for upholding the highest safety standards in the industry.

Martin Stepanek is a 13-time World Record freediver and one of the top freedivers in the history of the sport, having gone to depths of over 400 feet on a single breath of air. Martin is passionate about the physiology behind freediving and has worked closely with top researchers from Harvard University and the Karolynska Institutet of Sweden to uncover some of the physiological mysteries behind this sport. His participation in this ongoing research has helped scientists better understand the impact that depth and pressure have on freedivers.

An internationally recognized Freediving Instructor from Toronto, Canada, Errol has been immersed in the world of freediving from a young age. He works closely with Martin Stepanek at F.I.I. and has helped develop freedive curricula alongside Martin Stepanek, such as FII’s Junior Freediver program and is one of the most sought-after freediving instructors in the world. He teaches both recreational level and professional level certification courses all over the United States, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Spain and Qatar.

Khalid Al Hamadi, MD and CEO of Ooredoo Maldives, said, “At Ooredoo Maldives, we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote safety and well-being within our communities. This freediving safety session is a significant step towards ensuring that our growing community of freedivers can pursue their passion with the highest standards of safety and knowledge. We are proud to partner with FII and bring world-class expertise to the Maldives.”

Martin Stepanek, Founder of FII, added, “Freediving is a beautiful and challenging sport that requires not only physical and mental strength but also a deep understanding of safety practices. Through this event, we aim to further equip the Maldivian freediving community with the knowledge and skills needed to dive safely and confidently. Thank you Ooredoo Maldives, for assisting us to share our insights and contribute to the growth of safe freediving practices in the beautiful Maldives.”