Swim4Lémanhope 2026: A Record Turnout on Lake Geneva to Support Young People in Remission from Cancer

From June 23 to 26, Swim4Lémanhope will bring together an extraordinary effort on Lake Geneva to benefit the Léman Hope Foundation. More than 1,000 swimmers from 52 companies will take turns swimming between Geneva and Villeneuve to support young people in remission from cancer and fund Sailing Trips that are unique in Switzerland.

A Record-Breaking Edition

This year, the event has reached a new milestone with more than 1,000 participants, 30 boats, 36 skippers, 50 hosts, 70 paddlers, and 50 staff members on shore.

This growing momentum confirms the increasing commitment of Swiss companies to this sporting and charitable challenge. With each passing year, Swim4Lémanhope has established itself as a unifying event where collective effort and tangible support come together to benefit young people who have battled illness.

The organization follows the same approach. Both on the water and on land, a large support team accompanies the swimmers throughout the entire route. With high temperatures forecast for this week, this logistical effort will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the crossing.

From Geneva to Villeneuve: Four Days of Relay Races on the Lake

The race begins this morning in Geneva, followed by a route along the Lake Geneva region, passing through Mies, Nyon, Morges, Lausanne, Cully, and Vevey, before finishing in Villeneuve. Throughout this crossing, Swim4Lémanhope is spreading its message across the French-speaking region of Switzerland: to give young people in remission from cancer a new sense of purpose and hope through sailing.

Familiar Faces at the Event

The departure from Geneva will take place in the presence of Olympic medalist Jérémy Desplanches, who will be there to honor this human and athletic adventure.

Colin Mottas, a Swiss adventurer and content creator best known for his appearance on *Koh-Lanta*, will also be there on Thursday.

On Friday, a team of ambassadors will join the campaign, including sisters Thilo and Sara Dubler, also known as Ahungryblonde.

Their presence will help raise further awareness of the event and Léman Hope’s mission among a wider audience.

Beyond the athletic challenge, a mission

At the heart of the event, the sailboats and their skippers, the accompanying hosts, and the parents of former Léman Hope beneficiaries play a key role. Through their presence and experience, they provide a very tangible illustration of the foundation’s history, mission, and impact.

This close connection allows both swimmers and businesses to see what their commitment makes possible for young people in remission from cancer.

No matter how many kilometers we’ve traveled, our goal remains the same: to enable young people in remission from cancer to participate free of charge in a Sailing Trip organized by Léman Hope.

On board, they learn to sail, live as part of a crew, and regain their self-confidence. The funds raised through Swim4Lémanhope make this experience accessible to young people from all over Switzerland.