Amsterdam City Swim raised a record 3 million euros after 3,300 participants – another record for the event – dove into Amsterdam’s canals on Sunday. All the money raised will go towards further research of the fatal neurodegenerative disease ALS, as well as related PLS and PSMA.

During the event, which also aims to raise awareness of the disease, 12 people with ALS also participated. They swam themselves or were pulled by friends and family.

The event opened in the morning with the Short and Junior Swim at the National Maritime Museum, in which hundreds of swimmers, including minors, covered 750 meters.

Then, in the afternoon, event host Ruben Nicolai officially opened the Amsterdam City Swim. Every three to five minutes new teams entered the water for a 2-kilometer canal swim.

“It is heartwarming to see how many people commit themselves to fight against ALS. That involvement is enormously valuable and badly needed,” said Daan Vos, chairman of the Amsterdam City Swim Foundation. “I have seen up close how merciless this disease is and therefore know how important it is that we keep investing in research. Every euro we raise together helps advance the research and brings an effective treatment for ALS a step closer.”