Get Wet for MS makes a splash in Spain

The 2015 campaign took place in July, with events across 910 beaches and swimming pools. Figures are still coming in, but EME estimate that this year’s event will be even bigger than the 2014 events, where 110,600 people swam a total of 63,450 kilometres.

The ‘Mójate por la Esclerosis Múltiple’ or ‘Get wet for MS’ campaign began in Catalonia more than 20 years ago and has been growing every year. It has spread across the whole of Spain and has become a great way for EME to raise awareness of MS among the public.

All sectors of society come together in this campaign. Various different foundations and associations that support people with MS come together to organise campaigns in each city. The campaign also benefits from the support of high-profile representatives from sectors such as politics, healthcare, sport, arts and culture, who contribute with their presence and solidarity to increase media coverage.

3,200 volunteers are crucial to the campaign: they promote the local events and sell t-shirts, towels, bags and merchandise to raise money. Without the volunteers the campaign would not be possible!

As the name suggests ‘Get Wet for MS’ is not just about swimming. This year there were photo shoots, activities for children, handicrafts, music, dance, magic, synchronised swimming, simultaneous jumping into the pool, inflatable games, water polo and lots more.

Overall, the 2015 campaign was a huge success. EME have raised a lot of money for MS research, increased awareness of MS and had a lot of fun!