Record breaking Olympian Neil Agius, with the support of Wave of Change Malta, yesterday launched the first ever Ocean Festival in Malta.

This was a new concept in open water swimming, with 70 swimmers crossing the 6km channel between Gozo and Malta.

Agius explained that “the goal is for swimmers at all levels to explore the seascape around our islands, creating unique swimming challenges for the athletes whilst celebrating and protecting our sea.”

Through this challenge Agius said that he wants to “bring people into his world, by giving them an experience that will test their limits, both physical and mental, all whilst being fully immersed in nature.”

Having completed several ultra-distance open-water challenges himself, Agius said, “this is the first year since 2018 that I won’t be attempting my own swimming challenge. This year we wanted to share the experience with the community of swimmers who have been training with me and others who are just dipping their toes in. “The athletes, who were assisted throughout their swim by over 40 kayakers, left from Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo, at 7:30am to finish at Marfa beach, Malta.

Speaking at the end of the event, Neil Agius said, “the event had it all wind, waves, swell and lots jelly fish. I’m proud of each participant who pushed though their limits to make it to the finish line. Exactly what the ocean festival is about.”

He added that, “from early in the morning the energy and vibe was amazing and that didn’t stop until the end of the event. We are looking forward to the next one happening end of August with another iconic route which will involve Filfla.”

“This is about us coming together to enjoy nature. It’s not so much a competition between swimmers. It’s not about how fast you are or how good you are. It’s a challenge of people facing their own limits and competing with themselves,” said Agius.

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