India’s oldest open sea swimming competition is
back with a view to promote swimming as a sport and encourage more
participation.
 |
| Shaina N.C, Executive World Chairperson, GIANTS International at the Press Conference of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 |
India’s oldest and most popular event on the ocean swim calendar –
Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 – is all set for its second edition on
February 10, 2013. “Square Off Mumbai Swimathon 2013” – Sunk Rock to
Gateway of India, is promoted by Square Off under the auspices of the
Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA). The race attempts
to promote swimming as a sport and encourage more participants to take up open
sea swimming as their sport of choice. The 2nd edition introduces a new
category “Sub-Juniors – 10 to 12 yrs” to give a platform to young swimmers and
ensure that they have enough experience and aim to compete in the 2020
Olympics.
This open sea swimming race will start from Sunk Rock, popularly
known as ‘Light House’ to Gateway of India, which will cover distance of about
5 kms (3.5 nautical miles). Last year, the race attracted around 500
participants from all over Maharashtra across 14 categories including two
physically challenged groups. With the historic Gateway of India and
majestic Taj Mahal hotel in the backdrop, the Square Off Mumbai
Swimmathon 2013 aims to add to the charm, joy and pride of Mumbai.
The first race of this prestigious event was conducted from Sunk
Rock Light House to Gateway of India on Sunday, 14th December 1947. The
winners of this race were Pam Ballantyna (Women) (55 mins 23.5 secs) and Isaac
Mansoor (Maccabi club) (Men) (45 mins)
This year Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 is supported
by GIANTS International, a leading NGO with a view to promote “Save the
Girl Child “campaign. The race day will witness some eminent personalities from
the society like Nana Chaudasma, former sheriff of Mumbai and world
chairman of GIANTS International, Shaina N.C, Executive World Chairperson,
GIANTS International and a leading fashion designer and the new youth sensation
– talented actor Varun Dhawan will be the chief guest for the
competition.
 |
| Olympian Virdhawal Khade and Pooja Banerjee, Fame of Roadies 8 interact with the physically challenged participants of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 |
Around 600 swimmers in 14 categories will participate in the
competition. A 2 km special category race for the age group of 10-12 years will
be introduced this year along with two separate categories for
physically-challenged swimmers.
“It feels great to be associated with major open sea
swimming competition like “Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013.” I’m very
thankful to Square Off for taking this initiative and give Indian swimmers a
perfect platform to showcase their talent. GIANTS International supports
various national projects and we would like this competition to focus the ‘Girl
Child’ as this competition has good participation of girl
swimmers,” said Shaina N.C. Shaina is confident that open sea
swimming is India’s best chance to earn a medal in upcoming Olympics.
 |
| Rajesh Gupta, Co-Founder Square Off felicitating Pooja Banerjee, Fame of Roadies 8 at the Press Conference of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon 2013 |
The star attraction of Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon
2013 will be to watch top swimmers in action like Padmashree and Arjun
Awardee, Taranath Shenoy, National Champion Kunal Hendre and
first ever Arjun awardee in swimming Avinash Sarang, to name few.
Open water swimming is the newest sport included in 2008 Beijing
Olympics. Open water swimming presents a unique set of challenges to
swimmers. There are no lane lines, walls, or starting blocks to
dictate what it takes to win. The unpredictable natural conditions often
play a deciding role in determining the winner of an Open water swimming
race. “We are pleased to host this competition in association with the
expertise of Square Off and look forward for Maharashtra government’s continued
support to encourage this sport, which can surely add a medal to India in
Olympics,” said Kishor Vaidya, secretary, MSAAA.
Sachin Girishkumar, Co-Founder Square Off, said, “We at
Square Off believe that the Indian youth have exceptional potential which can
be leveraged by giving the right platform. We are proud to promote open sea
swimming in India in association with MSAAA and Swimming Federation of India.
It is the newest Olympic sport and given the right attention, we are confident
that India can excel at the international level.”
About Square Off:
Square Off, a leading Sports Management, Consulting and a Training
Company, formed with a vision to professionalize the delivery of sports in
India and focus on value creation by adopting an equal emphasis approach
towards all stake-holders, Square Off hopes to create a paradigm shift and act
as agents to encourage youth to take up sports in a big way. Square Off intends
to develop a sporting culture among the children of India and nurture students’
right from formative age thereby building career opportunities in sports.
