On November 27th, 30 swimmers on five relay teams representing a cross-section of Hong Kong’s diverse community will once again for the third consecutive year attempt to complete a 45 km circumnavigation relay around Hong Kong Island for the Make Waves for Hong Kong charity event.
The swimmers aim to raise HK$3.5 million to provide learn to swim lessons for thousands of adults and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Organized by the Splash Foundation, the event highlights a commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn to swim and enjoy the benefits of being in the water.
Four Hong Kong teams will be vying for position alongside a Singapore team which includes Australian Olympic, Geoff Huegill.
The Hong Kong teams include:
- Ryan Leung, the first Hong Konger to conquer the 35 km North Channel
- Janis Mok, Outreach and Strategic Partnerships Manager of the Swire Institute of Marine Science, the University of Hong Kong’s research facility at Hong Kong’s only marine reserve
- Vada Chung is the Founder of Whiskers N Paws,who began open water swimming two years ago
Team Relays
- Team Blue with James Bailey, Jenn Atepolikhine, Kevin Tam, Kin Man Lee, Michael Hufton, Nicole Cromwell
- Team Green with Calvin Cheung,Estelle Davies, Heath Gibson,James Tan,Ted Lee, Vada Chung
- Team Orange with Jackson Hui, Janis Mok, Maaike Steinebach, Monica Browning, Peter Milliken, Ryan Leung
- Team Purple with Amy Miao, Begum Demiral, Bert Shi, Hannah Brück, Tim Threlkeld, William Courtenay
- Team Red with April Rice, Brad Wilson, Clarissa Then, Geoff Huegill, Jenni Fulmizi, Peter Kakasi
Nearly Half of Hong Kong is Unable to Swim
Despite having the longest coastline of any city and an abundance of swimming pools, around half of Hong Kong residents, mostly women and children from low-income communities, are unable to swim. Splash Foundation is a charity dedicated to improving access to swimming for precisely these disadvantaged individuals.
Sponsor Support Is Significant
- Ewa Stachurska, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Simpson Marine, “We have been supporting Splash for the past nine years, providing safety and support vessels with crews, and around-the-clock strategic, logistical and safety assistance for the fundraiser swims. As committed ocean enthusiasts, we’re committed to water safety and to give more people the opportunity to enjoy the water with joy and confidence.”
- Katherine Chan, Head of the Engage Program, Kiri Capital, “This is a truly unique international event and we’re delighted to see it capture so much attention year after year. It is for a fantastic cause to ensure more Hong Kongers have the opportunity to gain the life skill of swimming.”
- Michael Tang, CEO of Convenience Retail Asia Ltd., “We are thrilled to support the Splash Foundation’s ‘Make Waves for Hong Kong’ swim around Hong Kong Island. Let’s celebrate our amazing city together. By promoting swim literacy, we’re paving the way for a brighter, safer, and healthier future for all Hong Kongers.”
- Cynthia Leung, Chief Communications Officer at Henderson Land, “We are dedicated to supporting sports as a powerful way of advancing the well-being of society, promoting health, and fostering personal growth. We are pleased to once again partner with Splash Foundation for ‘Make Waves for Hong Kong’. Driven by a shared vision to create meaningful impact within the community, this initiative perfectly aligns with our commitment to empowering individuals and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles throughout the city.”
For more information, visit www.splashfoundation.org/makewaves.
© 2024 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
“to educate, enthuse, and entertain all those who venture beyond the shoreline“
A World Open Water Swimming Federation project.