Kenora, Ont. man swims across Lake of the Woods, raises funds for kids’ health care

Chad English has achieved a remarkable feat, swimming approximately 110 kilometers across Lake of the Woods, a journey that took 12 days to complete. This arduous swim, inspired by a friend's doubt years ago, was undertaken to raise funds for vital children's health care organizations.

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How long do you think it would take me to swim from Sable Islands to Kenora? And he just said, ‘No, you’ll never do it,'

English began his swim on July 9 from the Sable Islands near the Canada-U.S. border, culminating his journey in Kenora on Sunday. The swim was a personal tribute to his daughter, Sophie, a decorated para-swimming athlete who has overcome mobility challenges. Sophie, who found solace and strength in water, is a three-time Canadian para-swimming record holder with aspirations for the 2030 Paralympics.

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He knew by saying that he would start a fire inside of me.

"Watching her in the pool and going to swim meets, it gives me more drive and determination to get in the water," English shared, highlighting the mutual inspiration between father and daughter. The swim has successfully raised more than $80,000. These funds will benefit organizations that have significantly supported Sophie, such as SickKids Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. Additionally, the money will bolster local community projects in Kenora, including the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation, the Dr. Beveridge Kenora Community Fund, and the Jennifer Schott Scholarship Fund.

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I got into swimming at probably seven years old. And I always felt like the water was a safe place because when I was younger I wasn’t able to walk on my own, but when I got into the water I was able to walk because the water would hold me.

Sophie joined her father for the final stretch of the swim, swimming by his side as he crossed the finish line. "I knew he would be able to do it, but I was a bit worried because it is a long swim," Sophie admitted, expressing immense pride in his accomplishment and its impact. English described the moment of completion with gratitude, recalling Sophie's encouragement to swim faster and the profound relief and satisfaction of reaching their goal together. "When we stood up, I thought to myself, ‘We did it.’ Finally. You know, we got it done. We’re here, we’re home."

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Watching her in the pool and going to swim meets, it gives me more drive and determination to get in the water.