Panjim, 25th February, 2018: Goa Tourism announced its official support for the Square Off Sports’ sixth edition of Swimmathon, to be held on 25th February, 2018 at Colva Beach in South Goa. The Hon’ble Minister for Tourism & Sports, Govt. of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar, will grace the event as the Chief Guest.
Swimmathon, accredited by Swimming Federation of India (SFI) is the Official National Selection Trials for Open Water Swimming in India, with both the men and women winners of the 10 KM and 5 KM races will represent India at the FINA World Championships and other international events like Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2018. Lending added credibility and athletic prowess, Mr. Virdhawal Khade, 2014 Asian Games Bronze medalist and Arjuna Awardee, will represent Swimmathon as the brand ambassador.
This year, Swimmathon has announced the highest cash prize in Indian Open Water Swimming history with a total cash purse of around Rs. 4 lakh. The winners of 10KM races and 5KM races in both Male and Female categories will win Rs. 50,000 each and Rs. 25,000 each respectively. In addition, the winners will also get gift hampers from sponsor brands. The winners of last edition of Swimmathon qualified to represent India in the FINA World Championship held at Russia and the Olympic Qualifiers at Portugal.
“We are extremely thankful to Goa Tourism for extending their support for Swimmathon. Open Sea Swimming is a unique and the youngest addition to Olympic games. With the government massively promoting sports, we are not far from the day when Goa will evolve as the water sports destination and Swimmathon arena will see international participants,” said Shri Ashish Agarwal, Managing Director, Co-founder, Square Off Sports.
Talking about the recognition by SFI, Shri Kamlesh Nanavati, General Secretary, Swimming Federation of India, said, “We are happy to promote ‘Swimmathon’ by Square Off Sports, in association with Goa Tourism, which has deep expertise in conducting events of this nature. Swimmathon is a stepping stone for the Indian swimmers to become an International-level sports personality and represent India at events in Open Water Swimming Category. Being conducted in Goa, Swimmathon has transpired into a bigger and better property due to the consistent efforts that the Square Off Sports team has put in nurturing this event. Swimming
Federation of India wants to leverage on Swimmathon as a platform to identify a talent pool of open water swimmers and create a roadmap for the forthcoming international meets.”
The organizers will deploy lifeguards, complete medical team and ambulance services on site, and complete first aid and medical facilities on accompanying boat to ensure safety of the participants.
LIC of India, Active Sports, Speedo, Turbo, Black Panther, Longuinhos Beach Resort, vBelieve Sports, Manipal Hospitals are some of the sponsors’ of the event.
