Overcoming the cold and praying for health and peace of mind. Winter swimming rally at Sagami River/Sagamihara January 3rd, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201020015/

Caption: Enduring the cold while entering the water. Winter swimming rally at Tana, Chou ward, Sagamihara city.

Sagami River has a traditional New Year's Day event of winter swimming. It was held on the 1st, near the Takada Bridge in Tana, (Chuo ward) of Sagamihara city. Praying for physical and mental health, 146 people facing the cold energetically swam the river. The event was sponsored by the Swimming Association of Sagamihara City.

At the top of the list for oldest participants, was Satou Tsuneko of Fuchinobe, in the Chuo ward of the same city. Calling upon their fighting spirit, together they entered the river's 10 degree water. The goal is to swim 50 meters downstream, and fire bows waiting onboard of a boat. Releasing the arrows, participants pray for a year of good fortune. Shouts of encouragement and cheers filled the air from some 900 spectators.

A father of 34 watched over his child, who was participating in the swim. "It does seem cold. I would like this passing year to be rich and wonderful." he commented.

(Note: Additional pictures from a past event here: http://www.e-sagamihara.com/event/january/0272/index.html)

Original text:

寒さに負けず無病息災祈願、相模川で寒中水泳大会/相模原

2012年1月3日

寒さに耐えながら泳ぎ切った寒中水泳大会＝相模原市中央区田名

元旦恒例の相模川の寒中水泳大会が１日、相模原市中央区田名の高田橋近くで行われ、無病息災を祈願し、１４６人が寒さに負けずに元気に泳いだ。相模原市水泳協会の主催。

最高齢の74歳、同市中央区東淵野辺の佐藤常子さんを筆頭に、気合もろとも水温10度の川へ入っていった。下流へ向かって約50メートルを泳ぐと、船上の的に弓を放ち、１年の幸運を祈る射術にも挑戦。約９００人の見物客からは盛んな声援と歓声が飛んでいた。

参加した子どもの泳ぎを見守った父（34）は「寒そうだったが、今年１年元気に過ごしてほしい」と話していた。