The annual Ocean 8 Charity Swim held over the Youth Day weekend on the Durban beachfront raised more than R1.1 million for fourteen local charities. The number of swimmers who participated in the race numbered around 250. They took to the ocean between June 14 and 16, participating in four swim distances, the 1,4,8 and the newly introduced sixteen-mile challenge with proceeds supporting organizations working in conversation, education, and community upliftment. Race Organizer Hillary Bruss said that a deep sense of community and purpose guided the event. She said that “The safety and wellbeing of our swimmers is always our top priority.”
“With the north-easterly bringing in bluebottles early on Sunday, we are grateful to all participants and service teams for their flexibility and understanding in using the contingency day. It is a privilege to swim in the ocean, even when nature has other plans.
Bruss added: “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who played a part, from our safety crew and volunteers to every swimmer and supporter. Congratulations to all our top achievers and especially to those who took on their very first ocean swim.” Among the first-timers were swimmers from Lamontville Swimming Academy, whose entries were sponsored by the Balwin Foundation NPC. Their participation was described as “inspiring,” with many overcoming their nerves and tackling the challenge with courage. Londi Busse, who completed the 16-mile swim, reflected on the experience: “Swimming 16 miles is a deep conversation between your body, your mind, and your purpose. There were tough moments, but my ‘why’ kept me going. Every stroke was worth it to support something bigger than myself.” First-time swimmer Sphelele Ngubane, who completed the 1-mile swim, said: “I absolutely loved it! It’s a beautiful, relaxed, and fun experience all while making a difference. Next year, I’m aiming for four miles, or even eight!”
Top fundraiser Jacqueline Cameron, who raised R35 000, described the swim as a highlight on her annual calendar. “The weekend is about camaraderie among swimmers from different walks of life. The cherry on top is that the event is all about supporting some incredible KZN charities.”
Swimming is an excellent way to relieve aches and pain in muscles. Combine this exercise and sport with charity fundraising you are participating in a good cause. Exercising and competing in a healthy way for charity is a key method to not only have self-improvement but to perform for a social cause to improve the lives of others. Trainee athletes such as the ones from Lamontville Swimming Academy are able to test their metal for more challenging swimming races. These athletes swam with a purpose not just concerned about coming first but also about improving the lives of others such as the next generation or conserving and protecting our indigenous wild life. Some of the charities being supported are Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust, National Senior Rescue Institute, Project Rhino, and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education. Participant swimmers both professional and inexperienced will set themselves goals to accomplish as they accelerate in swimming.
Each of the participants raises a significant amount of money through sponsorship. The swimmers are doing their part in raising awareness for various causes in the province. They are bringing conservation and environmental protection initiatives as well as education for the underprivilege to the forefront. This in itself is a winning achievement far above gold, silver and bronze medals.
Speaking of winning medals thirteen-year-old Brescia House School student Margarida Ferreira Da Silva had a winning streak at the Sportex artistic swimming Championship in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
Talented Brescia House School athlete Margarida Ferreira Da Silva (13) recently returned from Abu Dhabi, where she competed in the prestigious Sportex Artistic Swimming Championship with her synchro club, Team Phoenix. Margarida proved that dedication and passion can lead to remarkable achievements, earning a silver medal in the trio event, a bronze medal in the duet, and an impressive seventh place in her solo routine. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “It was fun and exciting. It was my first international competition, so I learned a lot and grew more confident.”
Winning silver and bronze in an international swimming tournament is a prestigious achievement in and of itself. Competing in synchronized swimming is a complex form of sportsmanship. You have to be in sync with the rest of the team performing as if you are of one mind. Da Silva and her team mates along with the other international participants have proven swimming can be more than racing it is about art and expression. They have set the tone for others to follow. Swimming is both an athletic, regenerative and artistic form of sport and recreation. You can participate in it for athletics or exercise depending on your flexibility.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
