Disabled Swimmer en route across the Cook Strait

Media Alert: Monday 10 October

Disabled Swimmer en route across the Cook Strait

Italian distance swimmer Salvatore Cimmino has embarked on his challenge to cross the Cook Strait – leaving Makara at 9.00am this morning (Monday 10 October). He has currently completed 5kms and is tracking well.

His swim is expected to take between 8-10 hours and will likely finish up at Perano Head (.

The Cook Strait crossing is part of his tour ‘Swimming in the Seas of the Globe’, to promote disability awareness.

He decided to take on Cook Strait at the urging of his good friend, former All Black and Italy rugby coach John Kirwan, and is being supported in the swim by eight times Cook Straight conqueror Philip Rush.

Salvatore had his right leg amputated at the age of 15 due to cancer and began swimming later in life for therapeutic reasons before turning it into a passion for raising disability awareness.

If successful, Salvatore will be the first amputee to swim the Strait and he will also complete the first October crossing.

For updates throughout the day and images, please contact Philip Rush on 027 449 5195.

ENDS

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