Dozens of brave swimmers took part in the annual Charity Santa Swim held on Christmas Day in Armação de Pêra.
The weather was warm with blue skies and the sea was fairly calm, with a temperature of about 18ºC.
Santas started arriving from 10.15am, and at 11am a great number of them ran towards the sea for their annual dip in the ocean.
Organisers thanked the film crews from TVI, SIC and CMTV who came to record the event.
Everyone enjoyed a welcome glass of hot chocolate and brandy in the Holiday Inn Algarve bar afterwards.
A big ‘thank you’ went to all who participated, the media for helping with the publicity, Diogo Correia who photographed the event, the paddlers from BlueXperience who added to the excitement, “The Charity Man” who entertained the crowd with Christmas songs, and for all the donations – almost €1,200 was raised for needy families in Armação de Pêra and A Gaivota home for teenagers in Albufeira.
In order to raise more funds, there is another Charity Swim on January 1 at 11am – just the way to recover from the festivities of New Year’s Eve.
“Come in your pyjamas, bring your swimwear and a towel and go in for a swim or just a paddle – as long as a part of you gets wet! Then recover in the Holiday Inn Algarve bar afterwards and enjoy a hot chocolate.
“Adults and children are all welcome to take part on the understanding that they do so at their own risk. Please bring a donation and help us to raise money for two local charities: A Gaivota in Albufeira and needy families of Armação de Pêra,” say organisers the Holiday Inn Algarve.
For more information, contact the Holiday Inn Algarve on 282 320 260 or email [email protected]
Photos: DIOGO CORREIA
