Sport and solidarity come together in a Gibraltar Strait open-water crossing to support vulnerable families in San Roque.
Sotogrande S.A. has successfully brought to life the charity challenge “Beyond the Strait”, a powerful initiative combining endurance sport and social impact. The project aimed to raise funds for Cáritas San Roque, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and families in the local community.
A Gibraltar Strait Swim with Purpose
Alejandro Vedia, Technical Director of Sotogrande S.A., alongside Antonio Vedia, completed the demanding challenge of swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar this past Saturday. This internationally recognized open-water route is known for its strong currents, intense maritime traffic, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it one of the toughest swimming crossings in the world.
The swim started on June 27 at 09:33 from Tarifa, Spain, and concluded after 4 hours and 27 minutes at Pointe Cires, Morocco. In total, the swimmers covered a distance of approximately 15.2 kilometers.
From Shared Passion to Major Sporting Challenge
The origins of this challenge date back nearly two years, when Alejandro began accompanying Antonio during swim training sessions. What initially started as a bonding activity gradually evolved into a shared passion, leading them to increase their endurance, distance, and preparation levels.
This steady progression ultimately culminated in their decision to take on one of the most iconic open-water challenges: crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by swimming.
A Strong Commitment to Social Impact
The charitable dimension of the initiative was driven by Rami Badr, CEO of Sotogrande S.A., who immediately supported the idea upon learning about the swimmers’ ambitions. What was initially planned as a sports sponsorship quickly developed into a broader social initiative aimed at fundraising for Cáritas San Roque.
As part of this commitment, Sotogrande S.A. pledged to match every euro donated through the “Beyond the Strait” campaign, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution.
Thanks to the generosity of individuals, friends, and collaborators, a total of €6,218 was raised. With Sotogrande’s matched contribution, the final donation will reach nearly €12,500. The full amount will go directly to Cáritas San Roque, supporting their ongoing work with families in need across the municipality.
A Physically and Mentally Demanding Experience
“This has probably been the most demanding physical and mental challenge we have ever faced,” said Alejandro Vedia after completing the swim. “At the same time, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to share together, especially knowing that every stroke had a meaningful purpose.”
During the crossing, the swimmers encountered typical Strait conditions, including a sea temperature of 21.3°C and strong winds, both of which significantly increase the difficulty of the swim. Despite the harsh conditions, the journey also included memorable moments, such as sightings of pilot whales, adding a unique natural highlight to the experience.
Sotogrande’s Ongoing Commitment to Community
Initiatives like “Beyond the Strait” highlight Sotogrande’s commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to supporting organizations that work to improve the lives of those most in need.
By combining sport, solidarity, and community engagement, Sotogrande continues to reinforce its role as an active contributor to positive social change in the region.
