For the fourth consecutive year, the NGO Through My Eyes, founded by gold medalist Paralympian Karolina Pelendritou, is organizing the Blackened Goggles Challenge, a charity swimming event that will take place this year on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Nicosia Olympic Swimming Pool, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participants include children ages 5 and up, adults of all ages, swimmers and beginners, as well as people who do not wish to swim but want to support the event’s cause by attending.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The event is part of the Limassol Municipality’s “Lemesia” series; however, it is being held in Nicosia because the Limassol Olympic Swimming Pool is closed for repairs. The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides, and is supported by the Cyprus Sports Organization.
All proceeds from participation fees will benefit the visually impaired community in Cyprus.
With the slogan “From Darkness to Light,” the event invites everyone to enjoy a unique experience in the water, swimming with special blackened goggles, the same ones that Karolina herself uses in her competitions.
Participants will try swimming without relying on their vision, gaining a new perspective on the challenges faced by people with limited or no vision. This is an empathy-building initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting equality, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion.
An event for young and old alike
This year’s event takes on an even stronger family-oriented character, as children aged five and older can participate for the first time. At the same time, corporate participation is now possible, with companies and organizations able to take part with their own teams, supporting the event’s charitable cause.
The Blackened Goggles Challenge won’t be limited to just the pool, as the venue will feature activities for children, music, food, and drinks, giving families and friends the chance to spend a pleasant afternoon together, combining fun with giving back. There will also be Zumba and a warm-up led by the well-known Greek fitness instructor Dimitris Koulouris, as well as a nutrition workshop by Blue Island.
Those who wish to participate can register online at www.ticketmaster.cy or on-site on the day of the event. It is possible to register without swimming, thereby supporting the event’s cause.
The event is organized by the nonprofit organization Through My Eyes, founded by Karolina Pelendritou with the goal of developing charitable initiatives in Cyprus and Greece, with a focus on social contribution and inclusion.
Proceeds from participation fees and donations to this year’s Blackened Goggles Challenge, as with last year’s event, will be allocated to support the community of people with visual impairments in Cyprus in collaboration with the School for the Blind.
It is worth noting that proceeds from the 2023 and 2024 events were used to purchase equipment for the gym at the “Agios Varnavas” School for the Blind, “Agios Varnavas,” helping to improve sports facilities for people with visual impairments.
Participants will begin arriving at the Nicosia Swimming Pool at 1:00 p.m., while the event will start at 2:00 p.m. and is expected to conclude around 5:00 p.m.
Now in its fourth year, the Blackened Goggles Challenge continues to combine sports with social outreach, inviting the public to be part of an initiative that highlights the importance of equality, acceptance, and inclusion. It’s an opportunity for everyone to see, even if just for a moment, the world through the eyes of Karolina Pelendritou.
Sponsors and Supporters
The event is organized in partnership with the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation as its Charity Partner and is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides.
