Maarten van der Weijden has canceled the relay race through the eleven Frisian cities. The long-distance swimmer planned to raise money for cancer research from August 28 to 31.
“I would have preferred to have also raised a lot of money for cancer research this year. But frankly, it just doesn’t feel right,” said Van der Weijden on the website of his foundation on Wednesday.
Van der Weijden would not swim with himself this year, but many well-known Dutch people were planning to jump into the water for charity. Matthijs van Nieuwkerk, Claudia de Breij, René and Natasja Froger and Syb van der Ploeg, among others, had agreed to participate.
Due to the corona crisis, Van der Weijden (39) finds it inappropriate to continue the swim. “The coronavirus has sadly killed many people. It is still uncertain for thousands of people whether they will survive this. It has turned the lives of everyone in the world upside down.”
“That will be the case in the summer. Even if the virus is hopefully under control then. People have lost their loved ones. Are still strengthening themselves. Or are reeling from the fantastic care and support they have provided, in any form. “
“As much as the cancer patient is very dear to me – you know that – I think that our attention should be focused on this in the coming months. In addition, I do not want to burden volunteers, aid workers and drivers with the organization of my trip.”
Van der Weijden completed a tour of 195 kilometers last year
In recent years, Van der Weijden made two attempts to complete the 195-kilometer swim solo. In 2018, he had to give up sick after 163 kilometers, but he raised 5 million euros for cancer research. Last year he did reach the finish line in Leeuwarden and raised 6.1 million euros.
The Frisian triathlete Stefan van der Pal planned to go swimming on the Eleven Cities Tour on July 2, but he also saw his plans thwarted by the corona virus.
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