In July 2011, the Special Olympics will hold a 1.5K open water swimming race at its 2011 World Summer Games in Greece. Already 29 athletes from Singapore, South Africa, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Greece, U.S., China, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Gibraltar, Mexico, El Salvador, Bahamas, St. Kitts Nevis, Curacao and Korea have expressed their interest to race in the beautiful seaside course.

It will undoubtedly be a huge boost to the sport of open water swimming and will offer a wonderful venue for those athletes who participate in our sport anonymously. When Special Olympics CEO and Chairman Tim Shriver spoke on behalf of Andrew Smilley, one of the most well-known Special Olympics athletes, he explained, “Far too often, our athletes, athletes with intellectual disabilities, are viewed for what they can’t do. But Andrew Smiley is showing the world what he can do and we congratulate [his effort] for being selected as the Greatest Open Water Swim of 2009. Andrew’s performance in the RCP Tiburon Mile is just one example of how Special Olympics athletes are accomplishing great things that many just dream to achieve.”

In support of the Special Olympics movement, dozens of Polar Bear Swims are conducted throughout the winter months.

The annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in Reoboth Beach, Delaware, postponed from last month when there was too much snow, is expected to draw over 3,000 swimmers this weekend to its nearly 40°F( °C) waters, including Governor Jack Markell. The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, to be covered live on WGMD benefits the Delaware Special Olympics.

A video of last year’s event can be seen here.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones