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17-25 June 2023

Open Water Swimming

Since 1995, open water swimming has been part

of the Special Olympics World Games.

 

The competitions do not take place in a swimming pool.

The competitions are in open waters.

For example, in the sea, in a river or in a lake.

The athletes swim 1.5 kilometres.

At Special Olympics, all types of swimming disciplines are allowed.

This means:

The athletes can swim

on their front or on their back.

Do the athletes need a break?

Then they can hold onto small boats.

On the photo, there are two athletes in action during a Open Water Swimming competition.
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The photo shows a scene of the start of an Open Water Swimming competition. The athletes are running into the water.
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The photo shows an athlete during an open water swimming competition.
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The photo shows a scene during an Open Water Swimming competition. Three athletes are visible.
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The photo shows an athlete during an open water swimming competition. She looks very concentrated.
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Unified Sports®

In Unified Sports®, people with ID and

people without disabilities play sport together.

They also compete together.

The people with ID are called athletes.

The people without disabilities are called partners.

 

Is open water swimming a unified sport?

Yes.

There are teams of people with ID.

And there are teams of people with ID and people without disabilities.

 

How many people do open water swimming at the World Games?

20 athletes and 6 partners.

Grünau


Open water swimming takes place in Grünau.


Do you want more information?

Click on: learn more.

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