Open water swim event at Tanjung Aru Beach to raise breast cancer awareness

KOTA KINABALU: An open water swim event to create awareness on breast cancer and its challenges is being scheduled at the Tanjung Aru Beach this Malaysia Day (Sept 16).

Organised by the Kinabalu Pink Ribbon, this event is part of the association’s breast cancer awareness initiative to highlight the challenges faced by breast cancer patients and survivors in Sabah.

This idea was mooted by Rainty Tioh, a breast cancer survivor and participant in several open water swim races, to target a different group of sports enthusiasts while continuing to raise awareness for the association.

Having swum in some of the most challenging sea conditions, she sees open water swimming as a natural boost to increasing a person’s self-confidence and strength which is beneficial for overall health and wellness.

She said open water swimming promotes a deep connection to the natural environment and contributes to mental and physical wellness which is one of key elements to recovering from a devastating illness such as breast cancer.

Three recces were conducted by members of Kinabalu Pink Ribbon with the assistance of open water swimmers, kayakers, stand-up paddlers and a rescue boat to map out the swim route.

The venue, sponsored by Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED), will see close to a hundred participants swimming the 2.5km and 5km route starting at the beach fronting Prince Philip Park with a shorter 500m route for open water swim newbies.

According to the association, many of the participants are youngsters who are experienced pool swimmers eager to test their mettle in the open sea.

A large crowd of spectators and supporters are expected to be there to cheer them on and for a unique send-off, members of the Malaysia Mermaid Club will be swimming alongside the participants at the start line dressed in their finest mermaid costumes.

Kayaks, SUPs (stand up paddleboard) and safety boats will be present to escort the participants along the route and provide assistance when needed.

First aid and emergency response personnel from the fire department, KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, Kinabalu Life Saving Society and Kinabalu Yacht Club will also be on standby throughout the event.

Various activities have been organised for a fun day out at the beach, including a car boot sale with food and beverage offerings and Pink Ribbon merchandise as well as booths to educate the public on breast self-check and live saving techniques.

The event hopes to promote open water swimming as a fun activity for competitive swimmers as well as enthusiastic newcomers while supporting a worthy cause.

Family, friends and members of the public are welcomed to be part of this thrilling event.

For more details, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sabahkpr/.