Pre-race get-togethers, post-event dinners, and awards ceremonies are part of open water swims around the world, from local to international competitions, from pier swims to lake crossings, from tropical beach swims to ice swimming events.
But a few always stand out and are incredibly festive events.
Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean in Canada
In downtown Roberval in Quebec, Canada before the annual 32 km professional marathon swim Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean, the local authorities and organizing committee host an annual dinner for over 10,000 people. Tables that reach 1.5 kilometers in length line the lively streets of Roberval where the professional and amateur swimmers mingle with local families, fans, and the local community.
The traditionnel Souper dans les rues Loto-Québec or the Loto-Québec Street Dinner, is perhaps the largest community pre-swim meal in the global open water swimming community.
For more information on joining in the dinner, visit here.
IISA 6th World Championship in Italy
At the culmination of the IISA 6th World Championship (@iisa_molveno_2025) that will be held in Molveno, Italy between January 13th – 19th 2025, a raucous gala dinner for 800 ice swimmers is hosted by IISA President, CEO & Founder Ram Barkai of South Africa, Vice President Jonty Warneken of Great Britain, Director Richard Broer of the Netherlands, Secretary Kate Steels of Great Britain, Vice President Petar Stoychev of Bulgaria, Technical Consultant Joe Zemaitis of the USA, and Director Professor François Bonnici of Switzerland.
The IISA will welcome over 730 swimmers and numerous staff and volunteers from 47 different countries to the 50m pool nestled amid the Italian Dolomites. Over 3,000 heats in races from 50m to the Ice Kilometer will be held over the five-day competition.
To participate in the Gala Dinner on January 25th, register here.
Eat and enjoy.
© 2024 Daily News of Open Water Swimming
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