State tourism department today announced its official support to 'Swimmathon 2015' slated to be held at Colva beach here on Sunday.
"Swimmathon 2015" is a 10 km and 5 km endurance open water swimming race, which will be conducted under the aegis of Goa Swimming Association and recognised by Swimming Federation of India (SFI).
The formal announcement in this regard was made by Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager, GTDC.
Virdhawal Khade, the country's most accomplished and celebrated swimmer, has been roped in as the male brand ambassador for Swimmathon 2015 and Goa's Talasha Prabhu as the female brand ambassador.
The winners of last edition of 'Swimmathon' qualified to represent India in the FINA world championship held at Russia in July this year.
"India has been enriched by some exceptional sports personalities who have taken the world by storm. Such talented people have been fortunate to have been discovered at the right moment and their talent have been nurtured, lifting them out of obscurity into international limelight.
"Given India's geographical magnitude of the country, one can only imagine the talent that seems out of sight and waiting to be discovered," said Ashish Agarwal, Managing Director, Square Off Sports.
The event will have 19 categories of participants including one for differently-abled athletes.
Open water swimming poses unique challenges to the swimmers as there are no lane lines, walls or starting blocks to dictate what it takes to win while unpredictable natural conditions often play a deciding role in determining the winner of such a race.
