Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Francismar Siviero Represents Brazil in International Open Water Challenges and Reinforces Environmental Awareness Message

 


70-year-old swimmer and environmental advocate competes in Italy and France promoting health, longevity, and water resource conservation

Open water swimmer and environmental advocate Francismar Siviero, 70, has completed an important series of international open water swimming events held between May and June 2026 in Italy and France. As coordinator of the Swimming Through Postcards Project (Nadando Pelos Cartões Postais), Siviero transformed each sporting challenge into a platform to promote environmental awareness, encourage physical activity, and highlight the importance of active aging.

His international journey began on May 23 at the OCEANMAN Cattolica Emilia-Romagna 2026, held in Cattolica, on Italy’s Adriatic Riviera. The event brought together athletes from around the world as part of one of the leading global open water swimming circuits, providing an ideal setting to reinforce the importance of protecting oceans and aquatic ecosystems.

The second stage took place on May 31 in Sestri Levante, Italy, during the traditional race held in the famous Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio). Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery, the location symbolizes the urgent need to preserve coastal and marine environments—an issue that has been central to Siviero’s work throughout his career.

Concluding his international schedule, Siviero competed on June 7 in the prestigious La Défi de Monte-Cristo in Marseille, France. Considered one of Europe’s most iconic open water swimming events, the race starts near the historic Château d’If and annually attracts athletes from various countries to a course that demands endurance, technical preparation, and determination.

Beyond sporting achievements, Francismar Siviero uses his open water crossings to promote discussions about sustainability and quality of life. His story of perseverance gained even greater significance after overcoming a complex heart surgery, becoming a powerful example of how physical activity can contribute to health and well-being at every stage of life.

“Every crossing is an opportunity to show that sport can transform lives. I want to inspire people, especially older adults, to remain active while also reflecting on the importance of protecting our waters,” says Siviero.

Created more than a decade ago, the Swimming Through Postcards Project develops educational, cultural, and environmental initiatives focused on preserving water resources and aquatic ecosystems. The project includes lectures, workshops, awareness campaigns, beach cleanups, and community engagement activities throughout Brazil.

Having participated in sporting events in France, Italy, Portugal, Uruguay, and several Brazilian states, Francismar Siviero has established himself as an ambassador for environmental awareness through sport, proudly carrying the Brazilian flag to major international venues.

“Every crossing is much more than a race. It is a declaration of respect for nature, a celebration of life, and an invitation for everyone to reflect on the future of our waters,” the swimmer emphasizes.

About Francismar Siviero

An open water swimmer, environmental advocate, and speaker, Francismar Siviero is the founder and coordinator of the Swimming Through Postcards Project (Nadando Pelos Cartões Postais). His work combines sport, environmental education, and health promotion, encouraging the preservation of natural resources and the practice of physical activity as tools for social transformation.

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Thursday, June 4, 2026

Défi de Monte-Cristo 2026 : Sur les traces d'Edmond Dantès dans une expérience inoubliable en Méditerranée

 


Le Défi de Monte-Cristo 2026, considéré comme la plus grande rencontre de natation en eaux libres d'Europe, promet une nouvelle édition historique du 5 au 7 juin 2026, dans la charmante ville de Marseille, en France. Inspiré par l'évasion légendaire d'Edmond Dantès, personnage du classique Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, l'événement réunit des milliers de nageurs pour une aventure de dépassement de soi, de courage et de passion pour les eaux ouvertes.

Un défi pour tous les niveaux

Avec des parcours variant de 1 km à 6 km, l'événement est ouvert aux débutants comme aux athlètes expérimentés. Le point culminant est la traditionnelle course de 5 km, qui commence au célèbre Château d’If, un lieu qui a inspiré l'œuvre d'Alexandre Dumas et l'une des cartes postales les plus célèbres de la région.

Les départs auront lieu sur la plage de Prado Nord, offrant aux participants une expérience unique au milieu des eaux cristallines de la Méditerranée et des paysages à couper le souffle du sud de la France.

Sport, durabilité et conscience environnementale

Au-delà de l'excitation des épreuves, le Défi de Monte-Cristo renforce son engagement en faveur de la préservation de l'environnement. L'infrastructure de l'événement utilisera des matériaux durables, de l'énergie solaire et des récompenses fabriquées à partir de déchets plastiques collectés dans la mer, en partenariat avec des initiatives consacrées à la protection de la Méditerranée.

Cette alliance entre sport et responsabilité environnementale renforce le message selon lequel la natation en eaux libres peut également être un outil de sensibilisation et de transformation.

Une aventure humaine extraordinaire

Plus qu'une compétition, le Défi de Monte-Cristo est un rassemblement d'histoires inspirantes. Chaque année, plus de 10 000 participants relèvent le défi animés par un esprit de dépassement, d'amitié, de solidarité et d'amour pour la natation.

Parmi les Brésiliens qui suivent et promeuvent de grandes traversées internationales, on retrouve le nageur master de 70 ans Francismar Siviero, coordinateur du Projet Nadando Pelos Cartões Postais. Ce projet vise à promouvoir la natation en eaux libres dans des lieux emblématiques à travers le monde, incitant les athlètes de tous âges à explorer de nouvelles destinations, cultures et défis sportifs.

Le parcours de Francismar démontre que la passion pour la natation n’a pas de limite d’âge et que chaque traversée représente une occasion d'inspirer de nouvelles personnes à adopter un mode de vie plus actif, sain et connecté à la nature.

Découvrez le Projet Nadando Pelos Cartões Postais

Pour suivre les aventures, traversées, événements internationaux et contenus exclusifs sur la natation en eaux libres, visitez le site :
www.francisswim.com.br

Vous y trouverez des informations sur des projets, expéditions, récits de courses et initiatives qui encouragent la pratique sportive et la valorisation des plus beaux paysages aquatiques de la planète.


Wednesday, June 3, 2026

LE PROJET « NAGER À TRAVERS LES CARTES POSTALES » SERA PRÉSENT À LA 28e ÉDITION DU DÉFI MONTE-CRISTO EN FRANCE

 


Marseille (France) – Du 5 au 7 juin puis les 13 et 14 juin 2026, la ville de Marseille accueillera la 28e édition du Défi Monte-Cristo, considéré comme le plus grand événement de natation en eau libre d’Europe. La compétition réunira près de 6 000 nageurs venus de différents pays dans l’un des cadres les plus emblématiques de la discipline : la traversée entre le mythique Château d’If et les plages du Prado.

Parmi les participants figurera le Projet « Nadando Pelos Cartões Postais » (Nager à travers les Cartes Postales), une initiative brésilienne qui promeut la natation en eau libre comme un outil d’intégration entre le sport, le tourisme, la culture, la santé et le développement durable, en mettant en valeur certains des plus beaux paysages aquatiques du monde.

Le projet sera représenté par son coordinateur, Francismar Siviero, âgé de 70 ans, qui continue à relever de nouveaux défis et à inspirer les sportifs de toutes générations. Après avoir subi une intervention chirurgicale cardiaque, Francismar poursuit sa participation à des événements internationaux de natation en eau libre, démontrant concrètement qu’une activité physique adaptée, et tout particulièrement la natation, peut contribuer à une vie active, saine et de qualité à tout âge.

Sa participation au Défi Monte-Cristo renforce l’une des principales missions du projet : encourager la pratique sportive, promouvoir le vieillissement actif et montrer que l’âge ne constitue pas une limite pour celles et ceux qui recherchent de nouveaux défis et une meilleure qualité de vie.

Inspirée du célèbre roman d’Alexandre Dumas, la compétition propose des parcours de 1 à 6 kilomètres, dont la traditionnelle course de 5 km avec un départ donné depuis le légendaire Château d’If. Au-delà des épreuves sportives, l’événement met également à l’honneur des activités culturelles, des actions environnementales, des espaces de convivialité ainsi que des initiatives dédiées à la préservation des mers et des océans.

Le Projet « Nager à travers les Cartes Postales » continue ainsi de porter les couleurs du Brésil lors de certains des plus grands événements de natation en eau libre au monde, en partageant des expériences, en encourageant de nouveaux pratiquants et en faisant connaître les bienfaits de la natation pour toutes les générations.

Photo Soraya Siviero

+ d’informations :


Saturday, April 18, 2026

The future of swimming in São Paulo dives in this Saturday in Bauru

 


The ABDA Arena will host another major celebration of sport with the 2nd edition of the Copa ABDA – Professor Cida Zopone Swimming Trophy. Taking place this Saturday, the event promises to energize the city with talent, competitiveness, and strong performances in the pool.

With free admission, the competition brings together 337 athletes aged 11 to 16, representing nine clubs affiliated with the São Paulo Aquatic Federation. Held in a 50-meter Olympic pool, the meet is part of the official calendar of the FAP’s 3rd Region and highlights the importance of grassroots competitions in developing swimming.

The host team, ABDA, enters the competition in full force with 144 swimmers registered, including 69 male and 75 female athletes, showcasing the strength of its development program in Bauru.

The schedule will run throughout the day in two sessions. The first begins at 8:30 AM, and the second is set for 3:45 PM, shortly after the official opening ceremony at 3:30 PM. In addition to the races, food services will be available on-site, making the event even more appealing for families and sports fans.

More than just medals, the Copa ABDA aims to encourage sports participation, promote exchange between clubs, and support the technical development of young swimmers who represent the future of the sport in Brazil.

Want to stay updated with more news and everything about the swimming world? Visit: francisswim.com.br

In your opinion, what is the most important factor in developing a young athlete: training, competition, or family support? Share your thoughts in the comments 👇

#francisswim, #swimming, #swimmers, #braziliansport, #youthdevelopment, #competition, #bauru, #fap, #saopauloswimming, #sport,


Clean sport in focus: technology, rigor, and transparency raise the level of global swimming

 


World Aquatics, in partnership with the International Testing Agency, has released the full results of its 2025 anti-doping program, marking an important step forward in protecting the integrity of aquatic sports in 2026.

With a strategic, intelligence-based approach, the program carried out 5,345 sample collections from 1,786 athletes, with a balanced participation between women and men. One key detail stands out: most tests, 4,073, were conducted out of competition, reinforcing monitoring during training periods, when the risk of violations is higher.

Scientific innovation was another major highlight. Advanced techniques such as dried blood spot analysis, hormonal profiling, and steroid testing significantly expanded detection capabilities, placing the program among the most advanced in the world.

The 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore served as the central stage for these efforts, with more than 4,000 tests conducted throughout the year and over 600 during the competition itself. On average, each athlete was tested twice, while approved neutral athletes underwent at least four controls in the pre-event period.

Another key development was the unprecedented implementation of real-time performance monitoring. This technology analyzed data during events to identify unexpected patterns, enabling faster and more precise decisions on which athletes should be tested.

The result is an increasingly efficient system that combines testing volume, data intelligence, and scientific innovation to ensure fairness in competition and trust in results.

The commitment remains clear: to strengthen a fairer, safer, and more transparent sporting environment for all athletes.

Want to stay updated with more news and insights about swimming and high-performance sports? Visit: francisswim.com.br

In your opinion, are these measures enough to guarantee a fairer sport? Join the discussion in the comments 👇

Porto Carras Athlos 2026 – Get ready to experience an event that goes far beyond sport

 

Porto Carras Athlos 2026 arrives for the first time in Halkidiki, Greece, transforming the iconic Porto Carras Grand Resort into a true meeting point for performance, wellness, and unforgettable experiences. From May 29 to June 1, the event brings together more than 10 activities and 5 Olympic sports in a program designed to challenge both body and mind.

Among the highlights, the Skylias Open Water invites swimmers to take on the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea across 1 km, 3 km, and 5 km distances, in a Blue Flag-awarded setting inspired by the story of one of the greatest divers of antiquity.

Meanwhile, the Giant Run Series takes runners through 5 km, 10 km, and half marathon courses, set among vineyards and pine forests, and also includes free races for children, reinforcing the focus on younger generations.

The event also features intense beach volleyball competitions under the guidance of Olympian Efi Sfyri, along with tennis tournaments, crossfit training sessions, and beach soccer matches. For those seeking balance, daily yoga, pilates, and calisthenics sessions by the sea complete the experience.

Families will find dedicated activities such as baby swimming and football clinics, while a specialized team of physiotherapists provides support throughout the entire program.

To make the experience even more complete, accommodation packages are available at the Porto Carras Meliton Hotel, offering comfort, high-level gastronomy, and direct access to the event activities.

More than a competition, Porto Carras Athlos represents a journey of personal growth, connection, and an active lifestyle in one of the most stunning settings in Greece.

Want to learn more and follow all the event details? Visit:
https://www.more.com/gr-en/tickets/sports/porto-carras-athlos-1/

And you, would you take on this challenge in a Greek paradise? Share your thoughts in the comments 👇


Wednesday, April 1, 2026

At 70, Brazilian swimmer brings environmental message to European competitions and inspires older adults in open water

 

At 70, Brazilian swimmer brings environmental message to European competitions and inspires older adults in open water


Francismar Siviero competes in Italy and France while expanding the socio-environmental impact of the “Swimming Through Postcards” project

Swimmer and environmentalist Francismar Siviero, 70, coordinator of the Swimming Through Postcards project, is preparing for a series of international open water challenges between May and June 2026, carrying not only a competitive spirit but also a strong message of environmental awareness.

The journey begins on May 23 in Cattolica, Italy, during the OCEANMAN Cattolica Emilia-Romagna 2026, held on the Adriatic Riviera. Known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, the city provides the ideal setting for the connection between sport and nature — core pillars of Siviero’s work. The event takes place at the iconic Piazza del Tramonto and brings together athletes of all levels, allowing the public to engage closely with the sport.

In Cattolica, L’Ancora Hotel Residence & Bike serves as the official hotel partner of the “Swimming Through Postcards” project, hosting athletes, families, and open water swimming enthusiasts attending OCEANMAN.

Next, on May 31, the athlete heads to Sestri Levante, also in Italy, where he will compete in a race at the famous Bay of Silence (Baia del Silenzio) — considered one of the most iconic coastal landscapes in the country, known for its turquoise waters and preserved seaside architecture.

Closing the European circuit, on June 6, Francismar will take part in the traditional La Défi de Monte Cristo in Marseille, France. The race starts from the historic Château d’If island and challenges swimmers to complete a symbolic and demanding course to the mainland, in one of the most legendary open water events in the world.

Beyond athletic performance, each participation reinforces the mission of the Swimming Through Postcards project: to promote the appreciation of natural resources, encourage sustainable practices, and raise awareness about water preservation in different regions of the planet.

In Brazil, Francismar Siviero is widely recognized for his environmental initiatives, especially those focused on raising awareness about the preservation of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Among them is the #LIMPEOLAGOGUAÍBA movement, held in Porto Alegre, which brings together volunteers for cleanup efforts, educational activities, and sports initiatives focused on sustainability and community engagement.

Another key aspect of his work is encouraging older adults to participate in open water swimming. Siviero actively promotes healthy aging and inclusion in sports, demonstrating that it is possible to remain active, competitive, and connected to nature at any stage of life. His personal journey — particularly after undergoing complex heart surgery — reinforces this message of resilience and quality of life.

“Each crossing is an opportunity to show that sport can be a tool for transformation. I want to inspire people, especially older adults, to stay active while also raising awareness about the importance of protecting our waters,” says Francismar Siviero.

By combining sport, environmental advocacy, and social impact, Francismar Siviero turns each swim into a platform for awareness, representing Brazil on international stages and inspiring new generations — both in and out of the water.

Photo: Daniel Cunha


Service Information:

What: Participation of swimmer Francismar Siviero in international open water competitions
When:
• May 23, 2026 – OCEANMAN Cattolica Emilia-Romagna (Cattolica, Italy)
• May 31, 2026 – Race in Sestri Levante (Italy)
• June 6, 2026 – La Défi de Monte Cristo (Marseille, France)

Project: Swimming Through Postcards
Contact: Francismar Siviero – +55 51 99722-6748 – francisswim@francisswim.com

Social Media:
Instagram: @francisswim
Facebook: facebook.com/francisswimnatacao
YouTube: youtube.com/francisswim
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francisswim
Website: www.francisswim.com.br