23July
July 23
Start of the 72h challenge
The event begins with the entry into the water for the 72-hour challenge — the symbolic and emotional core of the entire project.
The Swim4Dreams story
Aboutthe event
Swim4Dreams is more than an open-water swimming competition.
It is an event built around performance, community and generosity — on the Siderurgic Canal in Călărași, between July 23 and 25, 2026.
On July 23, the 72-hour challenge begins. On July 25, the energy of the project becomes visible and shared.
July 23–25, 2026Siderurgic Canal, CălărașiPerformance • community • meaning
Project essence
A project you feelbefore you can explain it
Swim4Dreams brings together sport, emotion, community and an energy that goes beyond start and finish. It is not just an open-water swimming event, but an experience designed to stay with people.
Event structure
Three moments, one direction
Swim4Dreams is built as a complete journey: the challenge that sets the rhythm, the moment that brings people together and the day when competition becomes public.
25July
July 25
Official competitions
Swim4Dreams race day: the official races, the rhythm of competition and the awards ceremony that closes the experience on the surface, but keeps it alive in people.
25July
July 25
Starry Night Swim4Dreams
A special moment in the water, shaped by community, atmosphere and an energy that is not only about competition, but about the meaning of being present together.
Key people
Three names, the same direction
Three presences that give the project identity, continuity and strength: the man who built it, the legend who validates it and the person who carries it forward.
01
Project ambassador
Mihai Badea
Open-water endurance swimmer, Honorary Citizen of Călărași County and one of the voices that gives the project strength, direction and identity. For years, Mihai Badea has turned every swim into a statement about discipline, meaning and real presence in the water.
02
The legend who inspires
Martin Strel
Big River Man. World record holder and one of the strongest figures in open-water swimming. His presence gives the project an international dimension, a real symbolic validation and a bridge between a local dream and global resonance.
03
The man carrying the relay forward
Alex Nicoară
Endurance swimmer, engineer, husband and father of two, with experience in international open-water competitions. In 2026, Alex enters the water for the 72-hour challenge and carries forward the spirit of 72 Back and Forth through discipline, courage and continuity.
More than sport
Performance, symbol and continuity
Together, these three presences define the identity of the project: the performance that inspires, the reputation that validates and the energy that carries the project forward. This makes Swim4Dreams more than a sports event — it turns it into an experience that stays.
EnduranceInternational resonanceContinuity
The essence of Swim4Dreams
A project you feel before you can explain it
Swim4Dreams brings together sport, emotion, community and an energy that goes beyond start and finish. It is not just an open-water swimming event, but an experience designed to stay with people.