"A Basin for ADMO" Charity Swim

A swim for a good cause

The "A Basin for ADMO" charity swim is one of the most cherished events of the Lake Orta sporting summer. It takes place in Pettenasco, a small town in the Province of Novara overlooking the eastern shore of the lake, in the Cusio area of Piedmont. It is not a race in the traditional sense: it is a collective, non-competitive open-water swim, open to anyone who loves the lake and wants to challenge themselves in a setting of rare natural beauty.

The heart of the event is solidarity. The swim supports ADMO (Bone Marrow Donors Association), and throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to learn about bone marrow typing and donation. For several years, the crossing has also been dedicated to the memory of Samuele Frola, serving as a Memorial that renews its deepest meaning every year.

Three distances for all levels

The event offers three routes designed to accommodate swimmers of all abilities:

• Route A — 2000 meters: the full distance, for the most trained swimmers;
• Route B — 1000 meters: a middle ground accessible to those comfortable with open water;
• Route C — 400 meters (Tutor Formula): the shortest distance, ideal for beginners and those trying lake swimming for the first time.

The start and finish take place at the Bar Dolphins beach on the Pettenasco lakefront, with participants meeting at the EUROTENDA to collect their race packs.

Lake Orta and the Nobile dei Laghi circuit

The swim is part of the Nobile dei Laghi circuit, which brings together the main open-water swimming events on the lakes of North-West Italy. Swimming in Lake Orta means crossing one of the most evocative bodies of water in Piedmont, with views of the Island of San Giulio and the hills of the Cusio. Pettenasco, with its lakefront and its tradition linked to the Canottieri Lago d'Orta, is the ideal place to experience this event.

Sport, charity, and conviviality

Beyond the swim, the day is a celebration of community: every participant receives a dedicated screen-printed t-shirt, and after the event, a pasta party brings together swimmers, volunteers, and supporters. It is a convivial way to conclude a day of sport and solidarity on the shores of Lake Orta.