COPE Galway has launched their annual Christmas Swim event, calling on swimmers near and far to register online. This year’s swim is a hybrid event taking place during Christmas week from 20-26 December and includes a “live event” on Christmas morning.
“Last year, Galwegians at home and abroad adapted to Covid restrictions and swam at their own location to raise funds for our services, resulting in a really engaging virtual event. This year, whether you brave the cold with colleagues, friends or family, whether you join us on Christmas Day or do it your way during the week, anywhere in the world, you can make a huge impact in Galway this Christmas” says Lynia O’Brien, event organiser.
The 2021 event will have extra safety measures, including the introduction of time slots. The new swim website and registration portal gives options to register as an individual, family or a group. It allows you to set up a group and invite friends and family to join your team.
For over three decades, Galwegians have demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas by raising vital funds for people who need it through the services that COPE Galway provide. Since the inaugural swim, the event has grown from strength to strength, bringing thousands of families and friends to Salthill every year. Lynia continues, “When I think back to the brave, passionate group of COPE Galway staff who took the plunge into icy waters 32 years ago, I am sure they never guessed that they would inspire one of Galway’s most cherished Christmas traditions.”
COPE Galway supports people across Galway city and county at a most vulnerable time in their lives; families and individuals faced with the realities of homelessness, women and children experiencing domestic abuse and older people who may be isolated and in need of nutritional support.
Though the Christmas Swim event has changed with the times, now adapting to a virtual alternative during the pandemic, the community spirit has not faltered and the heart of Galway keeps shining through.
To register and for further information please visit copegalway.ie/swim.
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Contact: Lynia O’Brien, 085 859 78 98, lobrien@copegalway.ie