The event will raise funds for the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation
South Padre Island TX (Aug 1, 2016) – The South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and
Open Water Planet, an open water event production company, have teamed up to host the first annual
South Padre Island Open Water Festival, an open water swimming based event, in the bay area Nov. 5-6
2016.
“Hosting an event like this in South Padre Island is such a great opportunity to promote open water swimming and competitive swimming to a community that is very supportive of our sport,” said NBC Olympic Commentator Rowdy Gaines, who will be emceeing the event. “This is a city completely surrounded by water. Swimming, and water-based sports in general, are a way of life for everyone in this area. We are excited to bring a unique event like this to an area like South Padre.”
The South Padre Island Open Water Festival will feature a kid’s sprint, A one-mile race, A five-kilometer race, and a military veterans event. Open Water Planet will also be hosting a special screening of the Olympic Movie The Last Gold and multiple other events scattered throughout the weekend for the participants.
The South Padre Island Open Water Festival is also proud to announce a partnership with the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation. ( www.francrippen.org) “Part of the FCEF mission is to act as a central voice for safety in the open water swimming. With water quality and temperature being such a big issue right now in Rio and other locations across the world, OWP is excited to bring an event to an area that has won awards for having some of the cleanest water in the country. The ability to partner with Elevation allows us to provide educational information to our participants that can be applied, not only to this event but also how to monitor environmental factors in everyday training,” said Bobby Brewer, CEO of Open Water Planet.
What should people expect at this event? “A weekend of activities, a course that fosters fun and participation from the youngest swimmers to the most experienced veterans, all in a festival-style atmosphere complete with vendors, entertainment, and music. This event will be a great celebration of the sport of swimming and all the South Padre Island area has to offer,” said Lenny Krayzelburg, four-time Olympic gold medalist and CFO of Open Water Planet. “This is truly an event for all swimmers whether you are 9 or 89.”
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, donations to the FC Elevation Foundation and/or to register to participate or volunteer please visit www.southpadreswim.com
About South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a 34-mile long barrier reef island located on the tropical tip of Texas. On the same latitude as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the Island is known for its white, fine-sand beaches, tropical blue waters, and consistently warm temperatures year-round. It’s been ranked as one of the country’s top beaches by publications from Men’s Fitness to Conde Nast Traveler. For more information on accommodations, attractions, and family-friendly activities, visit www.sopadre.com.
About Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation
The Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation (FCEF) is a national nonprofit created by athletes, for athletes. It is the mission of the FCEF to pay it forward by supporting athletes while they pursue their athletic dreams. The FCEF acts as a central voice for safety in open water swimming provide financial support through annual grants and encourage the personal development of athletes through our humanitarian exchange program. Our branches work together to provide a full range of support to athletes who are committed to WORK THE DREAM.
About Open Water Planet
Open Water Planet is a division of the Triton Collective, a world leader in aquatic marketing, consulting, event management, and travel services. Open Water Planet is an event management and lifestyle-specific brand, dedicated to supporting the open water swimming and open water sports community. Open Water Planet operates under the mantra of “Open Water. Open Mind. Open Planet.” This encompasses the OWP belief that there are no barriers to those that are willing to open their minds and make the journey into the unknown.
