A group of 19 young Venezuelan and 16 Mexican haemophilia patients have started a great challenge: They are training hard to qualify and be one of the 20 swimmers to cross the sea from Isla Mujeres to the bay of Cancun in Mexico in June 2012.  “I know that we have to follow a strict training plan and that we will be regularly evaluated by the medical team – it will be tough, but I am sure we will make it!” Jinger from the Venezuelan swimming team explained to me with enthusiasm.

The participating athletes responded to the national call previously presented by the respective patient association in their countries – “Federación de Hemofilia en la República Mexicana” (FHRM) and “Asociación Venezolana para la Hemofilia” (AVH). In both countries, the project was kicked-off with a first joint training session inviting the swimmers, trainers and medical team members. I was present in the meeting that took place in Puerto Azul in Venezuela and observed high motivation and union in both teams.  We organised a video conference with our Mexican fellows to have the opportunity to exchange experiences between both teams and get to know each other.

“The union between Mexico and Venezuela is determined to succeed”, says Everth Herrera, head swimming coach from Venezuela who attended the meeting in Mexico to meet the team personally and start the exchange between the two countries.

The athletes are under intense study by the best doctors from Venezuela and Mexico – in the multidisciplinary team we have haematologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists, swimming coaches and nurses. 

Both involved haematologists, Dr Arlette Ruiz-Sáez from Venezuela and Dr Adolfina Berges Garcia from Mexico, confirm that swimming is the most beneficial sport for people with haemophilia. The patients not only improve their joints and muscles, but also their social and psychological status, this was demonstrated with the first swimming project. “I have known many of the patients for a very long time. It is great to see how they enjoyed taking up this challenge” says Dr Apsara Boadas.

Medical results from Desafío Orinoco 2010:

• 30-40% better joint articulation
• 10% increase in range of motion
• 90% ankle stability
• Considerable reduction in number of bleedings

 

Psychosocial results from Desafío Orinoco 2010:

• Increased self-esteem
• Improved discipline and attention span
• Acceptance of the condition

“We started the first swimming project in 2009, in Venezuela, which resulted in the very successful ‘Desafio Orinoco’, improving the health of the patients as well as bringing haemophilia to peoples attention . ‘Desafio Orinoco’ was about crossing two rivers Orinoco and Caroni, 3.1 km, with other 900 competitors. The successes of that project made us feel that we need to spread the message and get others to join us. Now the challenge has united the participating teams to one family and we are happy that this is again supported by Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation (NNHF) and Bayer Venezuela”, says Cesar Garrido, project leader from Venezuela.

“In 2012 the eyes of the world will be on Cancun, when our 20 swimmers showcase the importance of exercise in haemophilia by swimming 10 km in teams of 3 against current and waves at an average exterior temperature of 36°”, says Carlos Gaitan Fitch, project leader from Mexico, “these 10 km are the final challenge for the team members - they will be training hard for more than one year in different locations, facing different water characteristics”.

I have haemophilia A myself and swimming has been part of my life since I was 6 months old. I feel that my life and my body change for the worse when I do not train for a while. For that reason I try to train more and more every day and have fun in the water. I am sure that the swimmers are a great example to be followed by people with haemophilia from other parts of the world.

Join us and experience with us our excitement and learn more about our brave and heroic athletes. www.avhemofilia.com

Alejandro Garrido – Communications student and intern working for NNHF