The 2nd International Ayia Napa Winter Swimmer Festival 2025 was an even greater success with the 376 swimmers from all over Cyprus and abroad.
With the slogan "I Swim in winter TOO", 376 swimmers from all over Cyprus and abroad, participated in the 2nd International Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Festival 2025, which was co-organised by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Club on Sunday, 19 January 2025 at the Makronissos beach.
Mrs. Marina Chatzimanoli the Deputy Minister of Shipping, officiated the festival. We were also honoured to have all five Deputy Mayors of the Municipality of Ayia Napa: Achna, Avgorou, Sotira, Liopetri, and Ayia Napa, who were also the jury of the sand art competition.
In her address, the Deputy Minister mentioned, among others... such initiatives showcase the high the quality and culture of our country ... ... assured that the Government and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping will stand by the organisers ... she was pleasantly surprised by the presence and participation of so many children and said.... only through children do we feel optimistic that there will be continuity.
In his own address, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettou, congratulated the Club for its initiative to launch this festival two years ago, underlined his support in the creation of the club house, and stressed that such positive results are only possible through a collective effort.
This collective effort resulted in the festival being International this year and has attracted visitors from abroad!
Andreas Larkou, President of the Ayia Napa Winter Swimmers Club, also spoke and thanked the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Mayor in particular, the Deputy Minister for the honour of her presence, the Famagusta Office of Promotion for its serious financial support, CyBC for its support as our communications sponsor as well as all the other smaller sponsors and supporters.
This year’s program included, in addition to a 30-minute swim in a dark blue and super calm sea, a talk by Maria Ioannou on "The Benefits of Winter Swimming", a Tai Chi class, games for children, a SUP – Stand Up Paddling demonstration and a Sand Art Competition.
It is worth noting that two of the swimmers were the Mayor of Ayia Napa and the Deputy Mayor of Achna Nikos Vasilas.
The festival recognised the three most courageous (in age!) swimmers, of which Mrs. Androulla Fragkou at 89 was the most courageous and the three youngest, with little Iliana Adamou at 5 being the youngest.
The four groups of young children were also awarded for their excellent works made of sand...