A total of 582 swimmers took part in this year’s edition of “Mulla’t per l’esclerosi múltiple” (Get wet for multiple sclerosis) in Menorca, the annual charity swim that raises money and awareness for people living with the disease.
The results
- 582 participants.
- 322,481 metres swum between them — more than 322 km.
- €2,457.50 raised.
Across the island
To make it easy for anyone to join in, the swim was held simultaneously at ten locations in six municipalities, including:
- Sa Caleta beach in Ciutadella;
- Alcalfar in Sant Lluís;
- Cala en Porter in Alaior;
- the municipal pool in Es Mercadal;
- Sa Mesquida, Es Canutells and Es Grau;
- the Malbúger sports centre in Maó, where the swim took place on the Friday.
The organisation’s base for the day was at Cala Pedrera in Es Castell.
Support
Mayors, councillors and representatives of the Consell Insular’s social welfare department visited the swim points to show their support. At the end of the day, the president of the Menorca Multiple Sclerosis Association, Isabel Garriga, thanked participants and, in particular, the volunteers whose work made it possible to run the event at so many places at once.
About multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system damages the protective layer around nerve fibres. It can cause fatigue, problems with mobility and balance, vision disturbances and many other symptoms, and it is one of the most common causes of disability in young adults. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in women.
There is no cure, but treatments can reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of the disease. Patient associations play an important role in providing rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychological support and information.
A national campaign
The swim is part of a national campaign held each summer in pools and beaches across Spain. In Menorca, its popularity keeps growing, combining a summer swim with a gesture of solidarity — and every metre swum helps put the disease in the spotlight.
