A record participation at the eighth edition of the LoveSwim at the Berlagebrug rowing center on the Weesperzijde. The sun was shining above the city, which made for almost perfect conditions for the more than 250 participants who gathered to swim in the Amstel.
by Arie Martij Schenk (and translated by Google) from Oost-online, Friday, August 2, 2024
‘The name Love Swim was not chosen at random. Just like the other activities of Queer and Pride Amsterdam, the swimming festival is all about tolerance and, indeed, love’, says Dia from the organization.
Before the swimmers dive into the water, the chairman of the committee gives an opening speech and Tom de Jong sings a special song. Then former Olympic participant Johan Kenkhuis shoots the first swimmer away with a press of the horn. ‘What a beautiful evening to swim during the opening night of the Olympic Games’, says Kenkhuis to the swimmers lying in the Amstel.
Former Olympic participant Johan Kenkhuis gives the starting signal. Gay Swim Amsterdam organizes the event with several distances with about twenty volunteers. ‘I always start with the 250 meters and if it goes well, I add another distance’, says a female participant from Oost.
The participants come from all over the country and there is even international participation. Two men from Amsterdam are ready with their swimming goggles and are already looking where the turning point is. ‘We swim in the Nieuwe Meer every day all year round and through our participation we feel actively involved in the Queer and Pride 2024’, says one of them.
New are the 250 meter competitive swimming and the surprising Extravaganza distance with dressed up swimmers. Afterwards, the participants and spectators enjoy music and delicious food and a cozy atmosphere is created on the Weesperzijde. ‘We are simply the best event of the Pride, says Stacey from the organization. In any case, the participants go home satisfied with a T-shirt and swimming cap.
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