Swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing or walking for research
On September 14, 2025, the annual SingelSwim took place once again in Utrecht. A record number of 360 participants swam or paddleboarded distances ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 kilometers. Through their efforts, they raised an impressive amount of donations for research into FSHD.
Under the watchful eyes of many supporters, the first participants entered the water at 9:00 AM to complete their 5.5-kilometer journey in multiple laps. Next, it was time for the paddleboarders. The 2-kilometer participants were addressed by Utrecht’s mayor, Sharon Dijksma, who emphasized the importance of the Swim in raising funds for the muscle disease FSHD. Finally, the children kicked off their 500-meter swim.
The amount raised by SingelSwim 2025 will be used to support research into a potential gene therapy, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. S.M. van der Maarel at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).
The idea behind SingelSwim was born to help bring a treatment for FSHD closer. The first edition was successfully organized in 2015.
