Léman hope logbook - Summer 2024 special edition

Dear Léman hope supporters,
It's been an emotional summer, and there's no end in sight! Dive into these unforgettable moments with us, and get ready for what's to come!

JUNE 2024 👊🏼 Swim4hope Zurich 2024: a resounding success  

For the second year running, a 26-kilometer swim from Rapperswill-Jona to the port of Zurich was offered to our swimmers on June 25. Participating companies Blackstone, Pictet Group, UBP - Union Bancaire Privée & Realstone joined forces to share an extraordinary team-building experience in aid of young people in remission from cancer. In relays, each company chooses one or more 6 to 9 kilometer relays, on a large boat and supervised by the Léman hope team. Swimmers set themselves a personal goal, whether it's getting into the water for the first time, reaching a certain distance from 500m to 3km, or achieving their best time. Thank you to all participants for challenging yourselves in the turquoise waters of Lake Zurich. Mission accomplished, Captain!

JULY 2024 – Looking back on the Segeltörns Hope 2024 Segeltörns 🌊

This year, 67 young people from all over Switzerland boarded 16 Léman hope sailboats for an unforgettable adventure. New for 2024, we welcomed siblings, who were also looking for moments of respite and sharing.

On the program: hoist the sails as soon as the wind picks up, learn, try out, take the helm, adjust, share and feel. And when the wind dies down, it's time for jumping contests, swimming, towed paddles, crafts and reading. Everyone has a role to play, from preparing meals to washing up. In the evenings, the youngsters meet up on boat after boat to play Loup Garou, sing songs on guitar, dance and enjoy life to the full. A mother once told us, "these are seeds you plant that will blossom one day". Thank you, dear participants, skippers, instructors and volunteers. Some of these seeds are already flourishing, and others will blossom in due course.

What did the cruise bring you?

• "I have more self-confidence because I tend to denigrate myself in relation to the fact that I've had cancer, to tell myself that everything that's wrong with me is because of the disease, and being with other people like me helps me feel less weird and more 'normal.'" (Anonymous, age 16)
• "Cruising allowed me to learn certain navigation skills and also helped me realize my own value." (Lelo, 17)
• "I found it very enriching, especially with brothers/sisters because we often "forget" that they too have experienced our illness, and I find it important to hear their story too." (Olivia, 17)

How did you feel when you were sailing?

• "At the helm, pride and concentration, a calming after the anchorages it was calm." (Gaël, 20 years old)
• "It's an incredible feeling to steer a ship by holding a simple metal helm. Sailing is a feeling of freedom, control and calm." (Guillaume, 17 years old)
• "Sailing, maneuvering the boat, pulling the sails makes me proud to be able to do it all." (Melissa, age 16)

August 2024 - Don't miss the next major Swim4hope event from August 28 to 30 🏊‍♀️

For the third consecutive year, Swim4hope will take place on the shores of Lake Geneva at the end of August. Thirty-six companies have placed their trust in us, offering their employees a unique team-building experience. This year, a wonderful story of solidarity takes on its full meaning: Jade, who took part in Segeltörns hope 2024, will see her parents swim for Swim4hope Léman through their companies SICPA and Nespresso.

This continuity in commitment shows how meaningful and interconnected our actions are. Jade was able to regain her self-confidence and enjoy an unforgettable experience thanks to Segeltörns. Now her parents are taking up the baton by participating in Swim4hope to support other children in remission from cancer. The circle is complete, demonstrating the strength and solidarity of our community.

May this example inspire all future swimmers and participants to commit themselves with the same fervor and heart. Our events are not just sporting challenges, but moments of sharing, surpassing oneself and mutual support. Get ready for a day of challenge, solidarity and support. We look forward to seeing many of you there to celebrate this exceptional event together, and to keep these seeds of hope flourishing. Together, we can achieve anything.