EVENT INFORMATION AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

[This is an AI-generated translation for informative purposes]

2nd CHOLOMON MOUNT ICE SWIMMING EVENT HALKIDIKI, GREECE - MUNICIPALITY OF POLYGYROS
ANNOUNCEMENT 2026 - INFORMATION AND TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

General Information

The Municipality of Polygyros announces the 2nd Cholomon Mount Ice Swimming Event - Halkidiki, Greece, a non-profit ice swimming event to be held on January 24-25, 2026, in Taxiarchis, Halkidiki, at the facilities of “Apolimeni Petra.” The event aims to promote and spread awareness of safe cold-water swimming and its benefits, inclusivity, volunteerism, collaboration, the natural beauty of the area, and winter mountain sports tourism.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Halkidiki Runners Club, the Halkidiki Walkers Club “Ypsizonos,” and supported by the Halkidiki Tourism Organization, the Halkidiki Chamber of Commerce, the Reserve Armed Forces Club of Halkidiki, the Volunteer Registry of the Municipality of Polygyros, the Taxiarchis Women’s Association, the Taxiarchis Cultural Association and Youth, the Polygyros Dance Club, the Youth of Polygyros, and other local organizations, associations, and businesses.

Event Character

This is a swimming event designed to familiarize participants with and develop the sport of “Ice Swimming,” with an educational, scientific, and social focus. It is entirely non-profit.

Event Features

  • Educational seminar (theoretical and practical) and discussion on cold-water swimming.
  • Mountain hiking route on Cholomon.
  • Ice swimming event in a cold-water pool.
  • Showcase by experienced swimmers at the Taxiarchis Dam.
  • Cultural events and awareness activities (traditional dance performances, buffet with local delicacies, bone marrow donor registration, waste management practices at events, etc.).
  • Awards for international athletes participating in the national water polo team originating from the Municipality of Polygyros.

Detailed Event Schedule

Saturday, January 24, 2026

  • 9:00 - 10:15 AM: Welcome, registration, and participant package collection.
  • 10:00 - 11:30 AM: Ice Swimming seminar (theoretical) and technical meeting.
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Break.
  • 12:30 - 1:30 PM: 5km mountain hiking route to the Dam.
  • 1:30 - 2:30 PM: Showcase by experienced swimmers at the Taxiarchis Dam.
  • 3:00 - 6:00 PM: Return and rest.
  • 6:00 - 7:30 PM: Continuation of the Ice Swimming seminar - practical training in the pool.
  • 7:30 - 9:00 PM: Rest.
  • 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Official greetings, awards for international athletes, and cultural event.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

  • 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Swimming event (50m, 100m, 250m freestyle) in the pool.
  • 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Awards ceremony and event conclusion.

Participation Terms

Event Dates:
The seminar (theoretical and practical), hiking route, and showcase at the Dam will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The cold-water swimming events (50m, 100m, 250m freestyle) in the pool will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Age Requirements:
The seminar and mountain hiking route are open to all ages. Participation in the swimming events is restricted to men and women aged 18+ and the disabled category.

Registration:
Registrations will be conducted online via the event website: https://iceswimming.gr/. All necessary details must be provided to confirm participation.

The registration form must be accompanied by a mandatory Declaration of Responsibility. You can either complete this via the government platform and email it to sdyhalkidikis@gmail.com, or save it on your phone to show at the registration desk. Alternatively, you can download the form, fill it out manually, and present it when collecting your package. Download the Declaration of Responsibility here

A limited number of registrations may be accepted one hour before the seminar, subject to availability. The deadline for online registrations is January 12, 2026. If the maximum limit of 100 swimmers is reached, registrations will close earlier. Participants must register for one swimming distance of their choice.

Participation Fee:
The fee is €20 per person for new registrations and €15 per person for returning participants from the 1st Ice Swimming Event. The fee is payable upon submission of the registration form and exclusively covers operational costs (safety, medical coverage, technical support).

Participant Benefits

  • Commemorative backpack with local products.
  • T-shirt, swim cap, and participation medal.
  • Certificate of attendance for the seminar.
  • Warm beverages and healthy snacks.
  • Comprehensive medical coverage, including an event doctor, cardiologist, two nurses, a fully equipped ambulance, certified civil protection volunteers, rescuers, lifeguards, a certified diver, a rescue boat, IISA observers, and heated recovery areas.

Package Collection

Packages are available for collection on Saturday from 9:15 to 10:15 AM and on Sunday from 9:00 to 9:30 AM at the designated registration area.

Awards and Ceremonies

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. All swimmers will receive a participation medal.

Other Terms and Information

Medical Requirements:
All participants must have a recent medical examination by a doctor or cardiologist and sign a declaration accepting full responsibility for any medical incidents. Organizers are not liable for health issues due to a lack of preventive medical checks.

Equipment:
Allowed: swimsuits, swim caps, goggles, earplugs. Neoprene is not permitted.

Environmental Responsibility:
Participants must respect nature and avoid littering, especially during the hiking route.

Personal Belongings:
Items can be stored by volunteers. Organizers are not responsible for lost or stolen valuables (e.g., phones, money).

Venue Information

The event is hosted at the “Apolimeni Petra” multipurpose venue in Taxiarchis, located 65km from Thessaloniki-Arnaia Old National Road. The venue offers accommodation, dining, parking, and a pool. A map is available on the event website.

By registering, participants consent to the free use of their name and image by organizers, media, and sponsors.

Right to Modify or Postpone

Organizers reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or alter the event for reasons of force majeure (e.g., storm, fire, pandemic).

Contact Information

Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism - Municipality of Polygyros
Phone: +30 23713 50716
Email: kd4@polygyros.gr

Organizing Committee:

  • Paraskevi Ougrenidou: +30 6947260353
  • Giorgos Mathas: +30 6907837179

Website:www.iceswimming.gr

Last updated: Dec 16, 2025