Triple Paralympic gold medallist Karolina Pelendritou is once again hosting the third annual Blackened Goggles Challenge, a charity swimming event aimed at raising awareness of swimming while visually impaired.
The event will take place on Sunday, 12 October 2025, at the Limassol Olympic Swimming Pool. It is organised by Through My Eyes, the foundation recently established by Pelendritou, which aims to support people with disabilities, women, children and athletes through targeted initiatives and advocacy.
This year’s event is held under the banner: “Equality, Acceptance, Inclusion”.
Speaking ahead of the event, Pelendritou said:
“The Blackened Goggles Challenge is not just a charity event. It is a challenge for equality, acceptance, and genuine inclusion. A call to see the world through different eyes, to overcome the limits we place on ourselves, to reconsider our perceptions, and to leave prejudice behind.”
Swimming in the dark
Open to people of all ages from 9 years and above, the event invites participants including athletes and non-athletes alike, to swim while wearing specially-designed blackened goggles. These goggles completely block out light, simulating the experience of swimming with a visual impairment, just as Pelendritou does in her own races.
“Come feel it, understand it, see differently. Let’s prove that in sport, there is room for everyone,” she added.
The aim is not competition, but connection. The challenge aims to raise awareness about the daily realities faced by individuals with visual impairments while promoting a more inclusive society.
The event is intentionally held close to World White Cane Day, which is observed annually on 15 October. The white cane is a symbol of independence and freedom for those with visual impairments, and the Blackened Goggles Challenge honours this important day by placing others temporarily in their shoes.
Participation and registration details
Participation is open to anyone aged 9 and above. Registration fees are as follows:
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€10 for athletes (with valid Athlete ID)
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€20 for the general public
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€300 for companies or teams (up to 20 participants)
Children up to the age of 15 can participate for free, thanks to the generous support of the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation, the event’s Charity Partner. A total of 100 free spots for children are available. Registrations can be made online via Ticketmaster or by emailing kp.throughmyeyes@gmail.com. For further information, call 22870226.
The Blackened Goggles Challenge is held under the auspices of the Cyprus Sports Organisation and supported by the Cyprus National Paralympic Committee (CNPC) and the Limassol Nautical Club.
Major sponsors include:
OPAP Cyprus, Bank of Cyprus, SWANS, Charalambides/Christis, KEAN, and EMEL Limassol Buses.
The Amathus Beach Hotel is this year’s official Hospitality Sponsor.