Tar Torch Swimming Relay is a hilarious kick-off event for the Winter Swimming World Championships 2006. Open to everyone, Tar Torch Swimming Relay offers a unique chance to try outdoor winter swimming in the World Championship ice pool – in the light of tar torches at the beach of the Raatinsaari Island. The event takes place on Friday, 3rd March 2006 at 18:00-20:00.

The swimming distance is 4 x 25 meters (team competition). There is no official timing, and the winner team of each heat will be awarded. The organisers of the event determine the swimming order of each team in a funny way. All swimmers will be awarded a participation certification and a memento. In addition to swimming suit, participants are allowed to wear gloves, footwear, swim goggles and naturally headwear. In accordance with the official World Championship rules, the only allowed swimming style is breaststroke, and the top of the head must be above the surface of the water at all times.

The teams participating the swimming relay may consist of women, men, or both. We would like to encourage workmates, hobbyists and all sorts of groups to form 4-person-teams and come to enjoy a unique experience in a carnival atmosphere.

Raatti Indoor Swimming Pool will serve as the headquarters for the event, and this is also where the dressing rooms and saunas are located. The members of Oulun Talviuimarit ry (Oulu Winter Swimming Club) will take good care of the participants. It goes without saying that competent rescue personnel will be present as well.

In order to participate in Tar Torch Swimming Relay, you don’t necessarily need to have previous experience of winter swimming competition. If you have not swum a long distance in an ice pool earlier, the easiest way to try it is to measure in an indoor swimming pool how many strokes you need to do 25 meters. Then try it in the ice pool, and you are ready for the challenge! In the exciting and exotic atmosphere, the water does not even feel that cold. And the experience will take the team spirit to a whole another level!

Registration

Register for Tar Torch Swimming Relay by sending your information to voitto.juutinen@mail.suomi.net and paying the team entry fee (100 €) to Oulun Talviuimarit ry (Oulu Winter Swimming Club).
Entry fee must be paid to Oulun Talviuimarit ry by no later than February 13th 2006.

Please instruct your bank to forward payment orders through
Nordea Bank Finland Plc.Aleksanterinkatu 36 00020 NORDEA
SWIFT/BIC address NDEAFIHH Account (IBAN) FI3711073000650675
Beneficiary: Oulun Talviuimarit ry.

When paying, remember to indicate “Tar torch” and the name of your team captain.
Please, send the registration information by e-mail to voitto.juutinen@mail.suomi.net
Note that cheques are not accepted as payment.

Upon registration you will be required to indicate the following information: the name of the team, the name of the captain and his/her contact information (e-mail address, telephone number). The captain will receive a confirmation, schedule and the starting order together with event instructions one week prior to the event.

TAKE THE CHALLENGE AND CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME!