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 Youth of Polygyros, the Taxiarchis Women’s Association, the Taxiarchis Cultural Association and Youth, the Polygyros Dance Club, 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
- 9:15 - 10:15 AM: Welcome, registration, and participant package collection.
- 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Ice Swimming seminar (theoretical) and technical meeting.
- 12:30 - 2:00 PM: Break.
- 2:00 - 3:00 PM: 5km mountain hiking route.
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Showcase by experienced swimmers at the Taxiarchis Dam.
- 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Continuation of the Ice Swimming seminar - practical training.
- 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Official greetings, awards for international athletes, and cultural event.
Sunday, January 25, 2026
- 9:30 - 11:00 AM: Short-distance swimming in the pool.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Long-distance swimming in the pool.
- 12:15 - 1:00 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 short- and medium-distance cold-water swimming events 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 short- and medium-distance swimming events is restricted to men and women aged 18+ and the disabled category.
Registration:
Registrations will be conducted online. All necessary details must be provided to confirm participation. The registration form will be available on the event website: https://iceswimming.gr/.
A signed declaration form is mandatory. 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 (event) of their choice.
Participation Fee:
The participation fee is €20 per person for new registrations and €15 per person for those who participated in the 1st Ice Swimming Event. The fee is payable upon submission of the registration form and is used exclusively to cover the operational costs of the event (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:
- Event doctor and cardiologist.
- Two nurses.
- Fully equipped ambulance.
- Certified civil protection volunteers and rescuers.
- Lifeguards.
- Certified diver.
- Rescue boat.
- IISA observers.
- Heated recovery areas.
Venue Information
The event will be hosted at the “Apolimeni Petra” multipurpose venue in Taxiarchis, located 65km from Thessaloniki-Arnaia Old National Road, 4.2km from Taxiarchis village, and 14km from Polygyros, Halkidiki. The venue offers accommodation, dining, parking, and a pool. A map of the exact location is available on the event website.
Awards and Ceremonies
The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 12:15 PM, following the swimming event. All swimmers will receive a participation medal.
Other Terms and Information
Medical Requirements:
All participants must have undergone a recent medical examination by a doctor or cardiologist and sign a declaration accepting responsibility for any medical incidents during the event. Organizers are not liable for health issues arising from a lack of preventive medical checks.
Equipment:
Allowed: swimsuits, swim caps, goggles, earplugs.
Not allowed: neoprene.
Environmental Responsibility:
Participants must respect nature and avoid littering, especially during the hiking route.
Personal Belongings:
Personal items will be stored by volunteers in the outdoor area of “Apolimeni Petra.” Valuables (e.g., phones, money) are not allowed, and organizers are not responsible for any loss.
Contact Information
Department of Culture, Sports & Tourism - Municipality of Polygyros
Phone: +30 23713 50716
Email: kd4@polygyros.gr
Organizing Committee Contacts:
- Paraskevi Ougrenidou: +30 6947260353
- Giorgos Mathas: +30 6907837179
Website: www.iceswimming.gr
Last updated: Dec 4, 2025