Swedish Ultraman World Champion's "Swim Around Phuket" commences

Eight-day swim trek begins from Mai Khao Beach around the island of Phuket to raise funds for Yaowawit Orphanage School and Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation.

The first-ever "Swim Around Phuket" kicked off this morning led by Swedish Ultraman World Champion Jonas Colting, aiming to circumnavigate the island of Phuket over eight days.

Mr. Colting led a group of swimmers including four-time triathlon World Champion Chris McCormack on the first leg comprising 14 kilometers from the JW Marriott Resort & Spa Mai Khao to Trisara Phuket villas & residences.

The swim trek will then proceed every day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in a counter-clockwise route around the island passing the Andaman beaches, the famous sunset point Laem Phrom Thep, and Chalong pier. The route will then turn northward past Ao Poh Pier, pass under the Sarasin Bridge and curve down to end again at Mai Khao beach

Before commencing the first leg, Mr. Colting said, "I'm very excited and look forward to getting started on this adventurous and inspirational journey around beautiful Phuket! My preparations have gone well but I have a lot of respect for the challenges of averaging more than 15 kilometres per day in the ocean. My main concerns are the heat and the sun and I will make an effort to pace myself over the eight days."

Mr. Colting aims to raise funds for the Yaowawit Orphanage School which was first built to support victims of the Tsunami 10 years ago and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which is committed to protecting the marine and coastal environment and ecosystems for the wellbeing of the sea turtles that nest in the Sirinath National Marine Park and the surrounding areas.

"I've known Jonas my entire racing career," said Mr. McCormack, who is also Thanyapura's executive chairman. "I believe he's the perfect athlete with the endurance engine and the will to be the first person ever to swim around Phuket. When he took on this challenge, we decided to put our full organizational support behind him, hosting him and his team from Apollo Travel Group as they prepared for the swim." Located in northern Phuket, Thanyapura is Asia's top sports training center that offers fitness, health and wellbeing programs set in world-class facilities.

The governor of Phuket Mr. Chamroen Tipayapongtada presided over the swim launch himself. He said, "We support the campaign for Jonas Colting to be the first man to swim around the island, which is a great way to promote Phuket's beautiful beaches and clean water. It is also in line with promoting sports and tourism on the island of Phuket."

This event would not be possible without the support of the Phuket Province, Thanyapura Phuket, Apollo Travel Group, Lee Marines, Oceanline Sunscreen, Yaowawit School, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Mai Khao, The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Tourism and Sports Phuket Office, and The Marine Police and Marine Department in Phuket.