The Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC) hosted an international swimming event at the Gallipoli Anzac Cove on Saturday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the famous Battle of Gallipoli.
The swimming event, which was coordinated by the TOC in collaboration with the Governorship and Municipality of Çanakkale, saw approximately 750 swimmers from 18 countries take part in the commemoration. Amongst them was Olympic Gold medal winner and Chef De Mission of the 2016 Australian Team, Chris Fydler. During the event participants were asked to lie 100 peace wreaths on the Aegean Sea to honour those fallen during battle before embarking on a 1915 metres swim from a ship at sea to the shores of the Anzac Cove.
Three days prior to the event, renowned endurance swimmer, Adam Walker, visited Anzac Cove for a commemorative swim with the Mayor of Çanakkale, Ülgür Gökhan. Walker – who was the TOC’s celebrity guest at last week’s record-breaking Samsung Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim – is one of only five people to have completed the Oceans 7, the toughest 7 channel swims in the World.
Due to the commemorative nature of the event, no race or ranking of swimmers took place. Instead, participants swam side by side under the umbrella of "Peace and Friendship" and were awarded a special "Memorial’s Medal" on completion of the route.
President of the Turkish Olympic Committee Professor Dr. Uğur Erdener said:
"The TOC is proud to have played a role in commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli. The purpose of such events is not only to pay our respects to the lives sadly lost during battle, but also to demonstrate how differences can be overcome as we enter a new era of peace and friendship.
Today we witnessed just that as swimmers from nations who were once at war, swam alongside each other in a show of union and friendship".
Speaking from the Gallipoli Anzac Cove, Chris Fydler, said:
"I’m thrilled to have been involved in today’s event. It was an incredibly moving experience to swim alongside fellow athletes from around the world in a demonstration of unity and respect. The power of sport to bring people together in this way is truly unique and I feel honoured to have been involved in such an important event."
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