Aqua Sphere Announces Sponsorship of 4 Crossings Program

VISTA, Calif., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aqua Sphere, the worldwide brand of choice for premium swimming equipment based on comfort and high-quality technical designs, today announced that it has signed on as the official swimwear, goggles and swim accessories sponsor of The 4 Crossings Program, an athletic tour de force and extraordinary human adventure. For the tour, 44-year-old French swimmer Philippe Croizon, a quadruple amputee, joins long-distance swimmer Arnaud Chassery for a courageous swim around the world tackling the major crossings between all five continents. To aid the duo in their quest, Aqua Sphere developed one-of-a-kind wetsuits that will withstand extreme conditions, including temperatures as low as 30 degrees F.

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"It took several months of research and development to create custom-made hydrodynamic and thermo resistant wetsuits that will help keep these incredible athletes comfortable and safe throughout their journey," said Todd Mitchell, manager, Swim Division for Aqua Sphere, which offers an innovative collection of premium swim products for active swimmers designed, engineered and manufactured for athletes, by athletes. "We are honored to be a part of such a significant athletic achievement and we look forward to seeing them arrive safely at the finish line in August."

At age 26, Croizon lost his arms and legs after suffering an electric shock while changing a television antenna. With the help of artificial leg extensions and flippers and by using his partial upper arms to propel him through the water, Croizon learned to swim without limbs five years ago. He has already swum the English Channel, a triumph which made him even more determined to take on this new challenge. Together, Croizon and Chassery have partnered with Handicap International, an independent aid organization, to demonstrate that there should no longer be any difference made between the able-bodied and people with disabilities.

The pair accomplished the first leg of their route, linking Australia and Asia by swimming from Papua New Guinea to Indonesia on May 17th. Next, they will swim from Asia to Africa via the Red Sea, then Africa to Europe by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, and will finish with the most dangerous swim of all through the Bering Strait to America. The duo will endure water temperatures ranging from 26 degrees down to 0 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees – 32 degrees Fahrenheit) in addition to dangerous shipping lanes, sharks, killer whales and tumultuous currents. They plan to finish in the middle of August, having covered over 52 miles (85 kilometers) and spending 45 hours in the water. After completing the swim, Croizon and Chassery will conduct a brief trip to the White House to support Handicap International's advocacy efforts. For a complete schedule of the pair's swims visit www.Facebook.com/AquaSphereSwim.

Aqua Sphere's swim line features eye protection, swimwear, triathlon wetsuits, swim training, aquatic workout gear, footwear and accessories, enabling swimmers to perform their best and feel comfortable in the water. Each product is designed, engineered and manufactured for athletes, by athletes. For more information, visit www.AquaSphereSwim.com.

About Aqua Sphere

Established in 1998, Aqua Sphere is the worldwide brand of choice for premium swimming equipment, based on comfort and high-quality technical designs. Dedicated to creating products for active swimmers, Aqua Sphere offers a complete range of premium products, including eye protection, swimwear, triathlon wetsuits, footwear, and swim fitness and training accessories. Aqua Sphere's numerous innovations include the world's first swim mask, the Seal, and its NAIAD swimsuit collection combining premium fabrics and construction that offers body control technology to boost and support one's shape in and out of the water. The brand has gained the respect and loyal following of many celebrity and notable athletes, including four-time Olympian Gold Medalist Amanda Beard. For more information, visit www.AquaSphereSwim.com.

www.AquaSphereSwim.com   www.Facebook.com/AquaSphereSwim 
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SOURCE Aqua Sphere