The 2nd Open Water Swimming Festival in Tapes (RS) takes place from March 17 to 19, 2023 and registration is open through Sprinta, at the link bit.ly/festival-tapes, with fees between R$ 100.00 and R$ $160.00. Ages range from 15 to 60 years, in events from 250 to 7,600 meters.
The event, aimed at amateur swimmers, seeks to promote the sport in the Costa Doce region and continue the tradition of the city located on the shores of Lagoa dos Patos, known as the “World Cradle of Open Waters”. The initiative also promotes the integration of children, young people and adults, encouraging them to practice sports, healthy living and environmental preservation.
Historically, Tapes was the first city in Brazil to host a World Swimming Championship in Open Waters in 1995. The municipality was a laboratory for the sport to develop until it became a modality of the Olympic Games in 2008. Ana Marcela Cunha, Brazilian Olympic champion in the aquatic marathon in Tokyo, swam in Tapes in 2010, when she was 18 years old.
Last year, organizers Cândido Nunes (event producer), Japur Daniel Conter de Almeida (physical educator and sporting event producer) and Professor Wilson Mattos (big name in Rio Grande do Sul swimming) decided to rescue this history and this city’s potential with the 1st Tapes Swimming Festival. Among its current goals are the completion of the Olympic Square and the installation of the Olympic Range in the place, to transform Tapes into the capital of sports tourism. The event is held privately.
Located in an inlet of Lagoa dos Patos, the city has favored its swimming streak. the geography of Tapes ensures safety for swimmers. In addition to bathing facilities, Professor Wilson Mattos, who is technically responsible for the competition, also highlights the quality and cleanliness of the water, which is not affected by pollution.
The expectation of participation by the organizing committee is 200 athletes from different states of Brazil. The attraction also includes concerts, a handicraft fair and family farming.
The festival begins on March 17th (Friday) with a technical conference and continues on Saturday at 9 am with the Crossing of Pontal de Tapes. At 5 pm, the fraternization begins at Praia Central. On Sunday (19), at 9 am, it’s the turn of the Open Water Circuit.
News about the festival can be followed on the website francisswim.com.br/fs/ and on the event’s social networks. The Instagram channel @festivaldenatacaodetapes will still broadcast the races live.
Awards:
All registered athletes will receive a participation medal. There will still be trophies up to the 5th place in each category.
Modalities
Pontal Tapes Crossing: 7.600 metros
Open Water Circuit – Events:
- 3.000 metros;
- 1.500 metros;
- 1.000 metros;
- 500 metros;
- 250 metros.
Category by Age
- Children and teenagers: up to 15 years old;
- Juvenile: 16 to 19 years old;
- Master I: 20 to 29 years old;
- Master II: 30 to 39 years old;
- Master III: 40 to 49 years old;
- Master IV: 50 to 59 years old;
- Master V: 60 years or older.
Schedule:
March 17thFriday:
Technical Congress;
March 18thSaturday:
9h – Crossing of Pontal de Tapes (start from Pontal de Tapes, arrival at Clube Náutico Tapense);
17h – Confraternization at Praia Central de Tapes (delivery of tasting kits, shows, handicraft fair and family farming);
March 19thdomingo:
From 9 am, on Praia Central de Tapes: Open Water Circuit competitions.
