COPE Galway is inviting the people of Galway to strap on their swimsuits and brave the chilly Christmas waters of Galway Bay to help them in set a (very charitable! ) world record.
“We are asking people to help us achieve the world record for the largest organised Christmas Day Swim and help raise vital funds for our work with those experiencing the effects of isolation in our community,” said Fintan Maher of COPE Galway. “2008 is the 19th year of COPE Galway's Christmas Day swim and this year we want to make it bigger and better than ever and an integral part of Christmas Day in Galway.”
The World Record attempt is taking place on Christmas morning at Blackrock in Salthill from 10am to 1pm. In order for the record attempt to be valid COPE Galway needs people to register in advance. You can register online at www.COPEGalway.ie or call Órla on 091 778750. Everyone who registers for the swim will receive a sponsorship pack and a COPE Galway ‘I took the plunge’ t-shirt.
Those souls not feeling brave enough to take a dip on Christmas morning, or who are too young to take part in the swim, are encouraged to come along also.
“We are aiming to make this a fun event for the whole family with hot drinks, courtesy of Lohan’s Bar and Restaurant, available to ward off the Atlantic chills,” said Maher. “Santa Claus will be there to meet young and old alike. Bring along your camera and take photos of your children with Santa in this unique Galway setting. It will be an enjoyable morning for locals and visitors.”
COPE Galway provides emergency accommodation and support services for homeless people, women, and children who experience domestic violence, and older vulnerable people in Galway city and county. All proceeds raised from the swim are used directly in Galway. Donations and fundraising are of vital importance to COPE Galway and can be made directly to COPE Galway, Calbro House, Tuam Rd, Galway or Bank of Ireland, Sort Code: 903816, Account Number: 39096396.
