
CHANDIGARH, May 7: No fear, only enthusiasm was on the minds of the forty-eight swimmers including girls, who plunged in the Sukhna Lake in the evening today to take part in the long distance swimming, which was organised by the Gaini Zail Singh Adventure Sports Club to mark the birth anniversary of the former President.
Most of the participants, who took part in the event today were regular swimmers from schools and colleges of the city. Some swimmers from Punjab were also among the participants. “It is a great fun to take part in such an event,” said one of the participants, who also took part last year.
“It is different from regular swimming. So I enjoy taking part here,” said a girl swimmer, who also participated in the first edition held in 1997.
The popularity of the event among the adventure seeker of the city can be gauged from the fact that there has been more than hundred per cent increase in the participation in the third edition as compared to 17 swimmers who took part in the first edition of the festival.
Last year 33 swimmers including girls took part in the event.
Seeing the enthusiasm among the participants, the organisers are also planning to hold the event on a larger scale in the near future. “Next year we would invite people from other states to take part in the adventure festival,” said a member of the organising committee.
All the participants will be given T-shirt by the organisers.
The trekking event will also be organised for students from Kalka to Kausali on May 9.