Information bulletin – Protaras, opening host for 2026 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup and new Special Olympics Open Water Cup

The information bulletin for the first of five legs in this year’s European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup, set for Protaras on April 18, is now available.

The spectacular Cypriot resort will thus reprise its role as opening host in last year’s series – as well as staging the first stop in the newly established Special Olympics Open Water Cup.

Last year’s OWS Cup leg in Barcelona – which will host the final leg of the 2026 series on October 3 – saw a successful trial of Special Olympics racing over 800m, which will be the distance used in Protaras.

The 2026 series also welcomes two new hosts in Munich and the Swiss venue of Tenero, which will host the second and third legs respectively on August 22 and September 5.

The fourth leg will take place on September 26 at Razanac in Croatia, which hosted the concluding leg last year.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome athletes, officials and partners to the 2026 European Aquatics Open Water Cup and to the opening stage of this prestigious series, hosted once again in the beautiful coastal setting of Protaras, Cyprus.

“This Information Bulletin marks the start of another exciting season in the long distance swimming calendar,” European Aquatics President Antonio Silva writes in his opening message.

“The European Aquatics Open Water Cup is renowned for its demanding and authentic competition environments, with races held in beautiful natural spaces.

“Across the challenging 10km distance, athletes are tested not only on endurance and speed, but also on their ability to adapt to changing temperatures, currents and weather conditions — a true measure of open water excellence.”

He adds: “This is indeed a compelling and competitive circuit for Europe’s top open water athletes. I would like to praise the exceptional work and commitment shown by the organisers in preparing this 2026 edition.

“My sincere thanks go to my friend Alexandros Christoforou, President of the Cyprus Swimming Federation, whose team has once again demonstrated outstanding dedication.

Working closely with the Paralimni Deryneia Municipality and key local partners, they have made significant efforts to deliver high quality facilities, excellent organisation and the warm Cypriot hospitality for which this event has become known.

“Following a successful trial last year we are also proud to introduce the Special Olympics Open Water Cup, delivered in partnership with Special Olympics.

“The first stop will be held in Protaras (Cyprus) with an 800 metres distance. All divisions are welcome to participate, continuing our commitment to inclusion across gender, age and ability.

“With athletes expected from across Europe, each leg will contribute to a shared ranking system, allowing competitors to accumulate points across multiple events and compete for overall Cup standings.”

In what will be its third experience of hosting an Open Water Cup leg, Protaras will offer once again a scenic course mapped out in the crystal-clear waters of Fig Tree Bay.

As in all legs of the European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup, ranking points will be awarded according to the official rules, and prize money will be distributed to the top three ranked European athletes in each gender: €2,500 for first place, €1,500 for second, and €1,000 for third.

Key dates for the Protaras stage include the preliminary entry and accommodation deadline on February 18 and final submission of hotel booking and travel forms on March 16.

Official training will be held at the Paralimni Swimming Pool (25m) on April 15 and 16, and at the Fig Tree Bay venue on April 16 and 17.

European Aquatics encourages all participating federations, athletes, and supporters to review the full bulletin for detailed information regarding entries, accommodation, transportation, and training schedules. The bulletin is available here https://europeanaquatics.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026OWSCup_Leg1_Bulletin.pdf

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