By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The popular 1 Mile Swim returns to Black Creek Provincial Park (aka Sandy Beach) on August 30, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. The swimmers will start at the Beach and swim to Old Woman Island and back, a total of 1.6 km or 1 mile.
Registration for the Old Woman Island 1 Mile Swim is now open. There is a registration fee of $25 per person and all ages are invited to participate.
This is the fourth year for the swim (with a break last year) and has in the previous years attracted swimmers from the local community, full-time residents and cottagers and from regional centres such as Port Elgin and London.
Organizers Sahand Amiri and Teresa Nesci were initially inspired to create this event in honour of all residential school children. In 2021, they donated proceeds from the event to Children’s Services in Neyaashiinigmiing through the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre. In the second year they continued to support children by donating to the Kabaeshiwin Respite Women’s and Children’s Shelter. In 2023 Safe n’ Sound Grey Bruce were the recipients of their fundraising efforts.
This year’s charity selection is The Georgian Bay Children’s Choir. The Choir offers bursaries to families needing assistance, making their music program accessible to all.
Win a two-night stay at B&B
The Friendly Owl B&B is offering the opportunity to win a 2 night stay at the B&B. Enter the draw by making a donation of any amount to the GoFundMe and then tag the B&B in the comments (https://gofund.me/50197076).
Donate, Swim or cheer on the swimmers
The organizers invite the community to join them on August 30 to participate or cheer on the swimmers.
They ask that you consider making a donation on their GoFundMe site. Charitable tax receipts will be available. They also welcome donations of product towards participant swag bags.
For more information, enquire at oldwomanislandswim@gmail.com
