Olympic contenders aim for leisure excellence at Al Bustan

As part of the Al Bustan Palace's commitment to recruiting outstanding personnel with unique qualities, these two Olympiads bring their wealth of sporting experience to each and every one of the Hotel's guests, through their roles in the recreation and leisure department.

As Recreation Manager, Julie Bannister manages a full team of sports staff in and around the Al Bustan complex, having previously worked at Intercontinental Doha where she opened their new club and beach resort in 2001.

Julie's past sporting passion was hockey - she played for the England Women's hockey team, almost 50 times, over a period of seven years. An unfortunate broken knee cap meant that Julie missed out on an opportunity to try out for the British Olympic team, but her on-field talents have taken Julie around the world, competing in the world and European hockey championships.

Julie believes her experiences with the team have helped her immensely in her current role. "In my experience as an integral part of a team, I believe that if you have a good and tough team of people around you everything works out so much more successful. Teamwork is about working together to achieve your ultimate goals in management as well as sports!"

Nasser Salim Al Masshari, Al Bustan's Sports, Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard did actually make it to the Olympics. Competing in the 1998 Junior Olympic games in Russia, Nasser achieved 1st place in his age group. A former Gulf Champion at 10 years old, Nasser comes from a water sporting family, having raced against his brothers in the Al Bustan Catamaran Island race, and coming out in first place for the juniors and second place in the senior group.

With aspirations to eventually open his own sailing and water sports club, Nasser considers the Al Bustan to be one of the best Hotels for water sports in the Gulf. "I joined the Al Bustan in 1999 because I love water sports and wanted to put my skills to good use, helping guests to understand why sailing and swimming are such fantastic sports to be involved in."

Achievements such as Julie and Nasser's do not go unrecognised at the Al Bustan Palace. Mr. Tony Zamora, General Manager at the Al Bustan Palace said, "The Al Bustan has to be unique in having two Olympic contenders working as part of the recreation team, which is an amazing achievement for any Hotel. We like to ensure our guests get the best of everything we have to offer, including our leisure facilities, and what better way to do this than to provide some of the best sportsmen and women in the world as their mentors."