Turning a Tragedy into a 5,000-Kilometre Mission of Hope. A world-first swim. A global relay. A life remembered.
On February 12, 2022, off Singapore's Kusu Island, a split-second act of courage set in motion a 5,000km journey that belongs to all of us.
On February 12, 2022, off Singapore's Kusu Island, Spanish national Nico Ortiz dove into the current to save two drowning men. In a split second, he had to make an impossible choice. He reached Rajnish Sharma and pulled his unconscious body to safety, but a second man, an orphan known only as "Money", was swept away and never found.
To finish the journey "Money" started, a 5,000km symbolic trek from Singapore to Chandigarh, India. For one man to swim this distance, this would take 17 years. Together, we can do it in months.
We are turning a solitary tragedy into a Global Virtual Relay. By "bringing a lost spirit home," we are ensuring that no other orphan has to fight for a future alone.
On June 14, 2026, to honor the man who was lost, Nico is returning to those exact coordinates to begin an unprecedented 6-hour circumnavigation swim of Singapore's Southern Islands.
In a powerful act of closure, Rajnish Sharma, the man Nico saved, will lead the way from a kayak, literally guiding his rescuer through the water that nearly took both their lives.
You don't need to be an elite swimmer. Every kilometre you log on Strava brings us closer to 5,000 km, and closer to carrying "Money"'s spirit home.
Sign up below. When the relay goes live on June 14, we'll send you a link to connect your Strava account to the global platform.
Every kilometre you swim is logged automatically. Real-time leaderboards track individual and team contributions toward 5,000 km.
Your kilometres raise funds for orphaned children in India through the Hope and Joy Foundation, with over 20 years of changing lives.
The Hope and Joy Foundation (Fundación Esperanza y Alegría) has worked for over two decades to break the cycle of poverty through education and sustainable development. As "Money" was himself an orphan, this initiative focuses on the foundation's work with orphanages in India, providing healthcare, safety and education to children who have no one else.
Every kilometre logged in the Global Virtual Relay translates directly into funds for these children. One collective swim can change hundreds of lives.
"The current took one life. Together, our collective will can save hundreds."
Swimmers from across Singapore and around the world have already committed. From beginners to Guinness World Record holders, this relay brings every level together for one cause.
Be Part of the Story →Sign up to be part of the 5,000 km global relay launching June 14, 2026. We'll send you everything you need to connect Strava and start swimming for a cause that matters.
The sign-up form will appear here once it's ready.
In the meantime, reach us at
hello@wearefopo.com
