the Rally
And jet another Winterbathers' Rally has passed... In this year's edition took part over 1526 participants from 6 countries. For all countless attractions were prepared. Among regular points of the program, many new e.g. infra-red photography, Health and the Winter Baths – seminary were prepared.
Much excitement brought us - COLDPROOF Tournament. Contestants from all team had to prove themselves in sometimes funny, sometimes hard competitions. Winners of the COLDPROOF Tournament – LODOŁAMACZE Margonin won not only Key to Mielno and Rally's gadgets – but also – reimbursement of travel costs.
Fire Walking Academy reviled the most courageous from all Winterbathers, who under the watchful eye of fire dancers from Salamander Theater walked on to red-hot coals.
In a result of co-operation with Winterbathers' Club – Kaloryfer, from Thursday till Saturday next to the main entrance to the beach, infra-red photographs have been taken. This year for the first time every participant of the Rally had an opportunity to check how different parts of their body change under the influence of icy waters of the Baltic Sea. Two picture frames have been taken: one before and one after the Winter Bath. Analysis of these images formed basis of lectures on Winter Bathing as a healthy lifestyle, which were held on Saturday. The seminary was lead by Prof. dr hab. Zbigniew Dąbrowski with assist of Dr n. med. Aneta Teległów and Dr n. med. Leszek Kosiński.
According to the Rally tradition a Winterbathers' Ball has been held on Saturday evening. Like every year participants complied in 100 % with the theme – this year it was “Hollywood Party”. Aside Jack Sprow – dangerous Pirate from the Caribbean or Charlie Chaplin – star of American silent movies danced many many other characters taken straight from Hollywood's mega productions. Queen of the Ball became Whoopi Goldberg from the film “Sister Act” - or actually Dymitro Bondarenko from Wrocław. King - Aleksander Tylkowski from Swarzędz.
Another day began with colorful parade along Mielno. Over 1500 participants went through the main roads of Mielno in order to get to the beach. All after short warm-up, with no fear nor hesitation, ran into cold water.
This year International Winterbathers' Rally has been part-financed by European Union (European Regional Development Fund )
