Dear Léman hope supporters,
This summer has been rich in emotions, and it’s not over yet! Dive with us into these unforgettable moments and get ready for what’s next!
JUNE 2024 👊🏼 Swim4Hope Zurich 2024 Was a Resounding Success 👊🏼
For the second consecutive year, a 26-kilometer swim challenge, connecting Rapperswil-Jona to Zurich port, took place on June 25. Together, the participating companies—Blackstone, Pictet Group, UBP – Union Bancaire Privée, and Realstone—joined for an extraordinary team-building event in favor of young people in recovery of cancer. Each company chose one or more relay segments of 6 to 9 kilometers, with the Léman hope team supervising from a large boat. Swimmers set personal goals, whether it was taking the plunge for the first time, reaching a specific distance from 500m to 3km, or achieving their best time. Thank you to all the participants for pushing your limits in the turquoise waters of Lake Zurich. Mission accomplished, captain!
JULY 2024 – A Look Back at the Léman hope sailing trips 2024 🌊
This year, 67 young people from across Switzerland boarded 16 Léman hope sailboats for an unforgettable adventure. New in 2024: we welcomed siblings, who also sought moments of respite and sharing.
The program included: Hoisting the sails as soon as the wind picked up, learning, trying, taking the helm, adjusting, sharing, feeling. When the wind was calm, the activities shifted to jump competitions, swimming, paddleboarding, crafting, and reading. Everyone had a role, from meal preparation to dishwashing. In the evening, the young people gathered boat to boat to play Werewolves, sing along with the guitar, dance, and live life to the fullest. A mother once told us, “these are seeds you plant that will bloom one day.” Thank you to all participants, skippers, instructors, and volunteers. Some of these seeds are already blossoming, and others will bloom in due time.
What did the sailing trips bring you?
- “I have more confidence in myself because I tend to belittle myself due to having had cancer. Being with other people like me helps me feel less weird and more ‘normal.’” (Anonymous, 16 years old)
- “The sailing trips allowed me to learn some sailing skills and also helped me realize my own worth.” (Lelo, 17 years old)
- “I found it very enriching, especially with the siblings because we often ‘forget’ that they also experienced our illness, and I find it important to hear their story too.” (Olivia, 17 years old)
Tell us what you feel when you sail?
- “At the helm, a mix of pride and concentration, a sense of calm after anchoring.” (Gaël, 20 years old)
- “It’s an incredible feeling to steer a ship with just a simple metal tiller. Sailing is a sensation of freedom, control, and peace.” (Guillaume, 17 years old)
- “Sailing, maneuvering the boat, pulling the sails makes me proud to accomplish all of that.” (Melissa, 16 years old)
August 2024 🏊♀️ Don’t Miss the Next Major Event, Swim4hope on August 28 🏊♀️
For the third consecutive year, Swim4Hope will take place on the shores of Lake Geneva at the end of August. Thirty-six companies trust us to offer a unique team-building experience to their employees. This year, a beautiful story of solidarity comes full circle: Jade, who participated in the Léman hope sailing trips in 2024, will see her parents swim for Swim4Hope Léman through their companies, SICPA and Nespresso.
This ongoing commitment highlights how our actions are meaningful and interconnected. Jade regained her confidence and had an unforgettable experience through the sailing trip. Now, her parents are taking up the baton, participating in Swim4Hope to support other children in remission from cancer. The circle is complete, demonstrating the strength and solidarity of our community.
Let this example inspire all future swimmers and participants to engage with the same passion and heart. Our events are not just sporting challenges but moments of sharing, self-improvement, and mutual support. Prepare to experience a day of self-overcoming, solidarity, and support. We look forward to seeing many of you join us to celebrate this exceptional event and continue to make these seeds of hope flourish. Together, we can achieve anything.