'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mumbai Jan 5th 2014: Almost 600 swimmers from across the state participated in Mumbai’s most awaited open sea swimming event, the Square Off Mumbai Swimmathon (SOMS) 2014. This prestigious race organised by premium sports management firm Square Off in association with Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA) and Indian Sports Academy (ISA) has a 54 year old legacy but is of even greater significance now as a platform for identifying and nurturing the most promising Indian talent with Open Sea Swimming being included in the Olympic event list last year.
“We’ve definitely seen a huge shift in the last few years, in people’s awareness and interest in staying well and healthy. People also want to experiment with different ways of staying fit. That is why we see numbers of participants increasing year on year. This event is a phenomenal test of endurance and skill. Swimming 5 kilometres in the open sea is very challenging. This race is a platform for the people who love adventure and relish the thrill of pushing their own limits. We believe in our motto ‘Real athletes don’t just run. They Swim’ which was amply proved by the spirit of all swimmers today, and especially by the winners and the winners in the differently-abled category,” says Sachin Girishkumar, COO, Square Off.The great atmosphere at Gateway was in part facilitated by the measures taken by Square Off to ensure a safe event. On ground support included ambulance facitlites on site & first aid facilities on accompanying boats. For cases that might need immediate attention coast guards with hi-speed Gemini boats were engaged while swimming experts accompanied each category of swimmers & jet-skies where on stand-by for quick assitance. With precautions in place, the event concluded on a happy note.Says Ashish Agarwal, CEO, Square Off, “We are happy to organise such a large scale event for swimmers in Maharashtra, and are confident that with the response we have received, this platform will grow from strength to strength. I would like to congratulate the winners of all nine categories for their outstanding performance and thank Maharashtra State Amateur Aquatic Association (MSAAA) and Indian Sports Academy (ISA) for associating with us.”
“India has great potential athletes who can shine if they are provided with the right training and support. Platforms such as theSquare Off Mumbai Swimmathon also help the State to identify those who have the potential to bring glory to India on an international level and must be encouraged and supported”, added Mr. Kishore Vaidya, secretary, MSAAA.
On this occasion, Mr Riyaz Bhati, Director, Indian Sports Academy (ISA) commented, “Indian Sports Academy supports Square Off’s vision of encouraging young swimmers. The Square Off Mumbai Swimathon 2014, will be the real challenge for all swimmers to showcase their strength and determination. While many corporate houses and the government are taking active interest in promoting various sports and physical activities, the youth of India must realize that this country needs more than just cricketers. The main 5km race encompassing all other categories also includes the handicapped swimmers hence one must know that the scope is too wide to prosper.”
Mr. Kishore Vaidya, Secretary – MSAA, Mr. Riyaz Bhati, Director – Indian Sports Academy (ISA), Sachin Girishkumar, COO – Square Off, Ashish Agarwal, CEO – Square Off joined Virdhawal Khade in felicitating the winners.
