On August 10th, 2019 at 7:00 AM, 25 swimmers will brave the cold North Atlantic waters in a 5 km open-ocean swim across the Tickle from Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s to Bell Island in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CMHA-NL). The objective of the event is to increase awareness of mental health in our province by demonstrating the connection between mental health and physical activity, while also raising funds for CMHA-NL’s programs and services.
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The Tickle Swim was first launched in 2013 by activist and Deputy Mayor of St. John’s, Sheilagh O’Leary. Her passion for promoting the linkage between physical and mental health is what inspired her to create this amazing endeavor. A former Tickle Swimmer, Sheilagh is now the Tickle Swim Committee Chair, ensuring the event is a successful fundraising and awareness event for CMHA-NL.
Now in its 7th year, the Tickle Swim has grown exponentially and continues to be a much-anticipated summer event for seasoned and beginner swimmers alike, often gaining a large waitlist of hopeful participants. To accommodate this growing interest, CMHA-NL has introduced the first-ever Little Tickle event. On August 24th, 12 swimmers will participate in a 1 km near-shore swim along Topsail Beach, CBS. The Little Tickle is perfect for junior swimmer and new ocean swimmers. Should inclement weather be an issue, the Tickle Swim will be postponed to August 11th and the Little Tickle will move to August 25th.
Participants of these events aim to raise a combined total of $30,000 through individual sponsorships and donations. Funds raised will support CMHA-NL’s work in Newfoundland and Labrador. With the collective support of our swimmers, volunteers, and donors, CMHA-NL can continue to expand our provincial mental health programs and services. To sponsor a swimmer, please visit www.TickleSwim.com.
The Tickle Swim and the all-new Little Tickle would not be possible without the kind efforts of the Town of Wabana, the Town of Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s, and the Town of Conception Bay South. As well, CMHA-NL would like to recognize the continued support from the Department of Transportation and Works – Marine Service Division, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the many volunteer safety boats and support kayakers, who work to ensure the Tickle Swim is a safe event for everyone involved. The commitment of these organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and our incredible Tickle Swimmers is an exceptional display of the dedication to mental health awareness and advocacy in our community.
Click here to view and print the official Tickle Swim 2019 Poster.
For more information please visit www.TickleSwim.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our e-news to stay informed about upcoming events and more!