In the announcement of the organization of the 2nd Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Festival, which this year has taken on an international character since you expect that many winter swimmers from foreign countries will participate, as well as the achievements that have been achieved so far by the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Club today the Mayor of Ayia Napa Mr. Christos Zannettou and the President of the Winter Swimmers' Club, Mr. Andreas Larkou at a press conference held today, Tuesday, November 10, 2024, at Makronisos beach.
The President of the Group Mr. Andreas Larkou stated that it was decided to hold the 2nd Festival after the great success of the first one, while for the selection of the date of its holding he said that January 19, 2025 was chosen because around January 20 every year are the Halcyon Days in Cyprus and the weather is particularly good.
He also mentioned that the 2025 event is international because, as he explained, one of the Group's goals is to help create the conditions for a free Famagusta and, by extension, for our island to become a year-round tourist destination.
Speaking about the achievements of the Group, Mr. Larkou said that the Group managed to become a member of the International Association of Open Sea Swimmers and the World Organization of Winter Swimmers. Finally, he thanked the Municipality of Agia Napa and especially the Mayor Mr. Christos Zannettou, the ETAP of Famagusta, the other sponsors and supporters of the Club and all the other Clubs of Winter Swimmers of the other cities of Cyprus.
The Mayor of Ayia Napa Mr. Christos Zannettou initially congratulated the President and the Members of the Club for their goal of making the Festival International, simultaneously promoting Ayia Napa and our entire country abroad.
At the same time, he added, "we promote the importance of the natural wealth, the sea, abroad, but also the nice weather conditions that the visitor can enjoy. "My appreciation" he added "and since it has now been established as an institution it must be embraced by the state and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and be involved in the important events that are held for the promotion and promotion of winter tourism and by extension the expansion and extension of the tourist period".
Mr. Zannettou thanked all those participating and invited people to register their participation in the 2nd Ayia Napa International Winter Swimmer Festival. "It is really with particular pleasure that last January we had a large number of people from all corners of Cyprus who had visited Ayia Napa to participate in the Festival" and expressed his ambition that this year will also be crowned with great success.
As the new Municipality of Agia Napa, he added, consisting of the Municipal Apartments of Agia Napa, Liopetriou, Sotiras, Avgorou and Achnas, we will always be companions always with you and we will support these actions to the best of our ability.
On behalf of the organizing team of the Festival, Ms. Nora Chatzisotiriou referred to the various ways that the Group has undertaken to promote and inform the public both in Cyprus and abroad, while again this year participation for swimmers and visitors is free.
Referring to the program of the 2nd Ayia Napa International Winter Swimmer Festival, she said that it will include swimming, a Tai-Chi class, a special area for children, a demonstration of SUP – Stand Up Paddling and sailboats and stands selling marine items. He also mentioned the new innovative category - Sand Art Competition with three categories: adults from 15 years and above, children from 6 to 14 years and children's smiles up to 5 years. The jury will be made up of the five Deputy Mayors of the Municipality of Ayia Napa and two members of the group and the three most courageous swimmers in age and the two youngest will also be awarded!
Those interested will be able to read the regulations and register on the Club's Facebook page and on the Festival's special page.
