The Inaugural Washington DC Sharkfest Swim—taking place in Washington, D.C.'s National Harbor waters on June 23, 2019—is bringing three organizations together to host one fun and inclusive event. The Sharkfest Swim allows open water swimmers the opportunity to race while raising money. The Sharkfest will raise money for Special Olympic who is providing support and swimmers. The Potomac Riverkeeper Network will sample and test the water to make sure the swimmers are safe.
Potomac Riverkeeper, Dean Naujoks, said, “The Sea Dog, our 42 foot Chesapeake Deadrise will be our floating laboratory so that volunteers who help us test and sample, can use the equipment to verify water quality and upload the information on SwimGuide. This will enable everyone to tell whether the water is safe and will also promote our goal of making all of the Potomac swimmable again.”
The event will highlight the importance of clean waterways.
Three distances, 1Km, 2Km and 4Km, will provide novices and pros alike the opportunity to swim in Washington, DC’s Potomac River at the National Harbor which is known as a fun and entertaining spot for families.
The DC Sharkfest is an example of Special Olympics’ goal of ending discrimination again people with intellectual disabilities and realizing a fully inclusive society. It is a sentiment that has always run through the core of Special Olympics according to Kester Edwards, Manager for Sports Development at Special Olympics. “In 1968, Mrs. Eunice Shriver started a swimming program in the backyard pool for people with intellectual disabilities. Swimming was one of her favorite sports and now, after 50 years, athletes are in the backyard of the nation’s capital, in the Potomac River ready to show prove that inclusion is here so stay!”
Click here to learn how you can participate or for more information.
