The pro-am King and Queen of the Sea event is a benefit swim on behalf of the Pro Crianca Cardiaca Foundation that runs the Hospital Pro Criansa Jutta Batista in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Hospital Pro Criansa is the dream of Dr. Rosa Celia Barbosa, a cardiologist whose life story is one of inspiration and giving. Dr. Celia grew up in an orphanage, but worked her way through medical school en route to raising children and starting the Pro Crianca Cardiaca Foundation in 1999.
“I want to look after needy children who need heart surgery. We raised the money and constructed this new hospital and bought the land and all the necessary equipment.
I called everyone and Eike Batista donated 30 million rials. In gratitude for his generous donation, one of the most successful businessmen in the world named the Hospital after his mother Jutta Batista who was a nurse. We are also thankful for all the athletes from Brazil and other countries who are here to participate in the King and Queen of the Sea. 10% of the proceeds from the race are donated to the Foundation. Their donations and this dream will live on forever on behalf of those children in need.”
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.