The Interschools 1 Mile Challenge at the Ocean 8 Charity Swim is to be held on June the 14 and 15. Schools have been invited to participate. Taking place at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club, this open-water swim gives students the chance to push their competitive and athletic limits, support worthy causes and earn recognition for their school – all while boasting their mental and physical wellbeing.
“Swimming helps build mental fitness,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “The Oceans 8 Challenge gives South African school children a healthy outlet to channel their energy, build confidence and contribute to something greater than themselves. It’s the perfect antidote to the academic stress that comes with preparing for exams.” Schools have a chance to contribute to the fundraising efforts with participants earning community service hours while competing for two prestigious floating trophies – The Alex Speirs Memorial Trophy (awarded to the school that raises the most funds) and The Andrew Cribbins Memorial Trophy (awarded to the school with the most participants). Last year, Treverton School dominated both categories, with Reddam House Umhlanga and Steyn City School also making their mark. The 1 Mile Challenge is open to not just scholars, but also teachers, family and friends representing the school.
It is R200 per swimmer (includes cap, medal, goodie bag) and R800 raised to support charity.
Swimming has numerous benefits including improving alertness and mental awareness, speed as well as agility. Swimming is a healthy sport that helps to build confidence. School children are highly active and participating in sports like swimming gives them a health outlet to focus their abundant mental energy. Swimming also keeps them relaxed in time for focusing on their exams. It helps young students unwind. Swimming also keeps the body fit, healthy and agile and loosens the aching muscles. The participating school that raises the most funds will also receive a trophy. The school that contributes the most participants will also receive the second trophy. Both trophies may end up going to the school that contributes both funds and participants. How they raise funds could come from donations or raising money from hosting fares such as bake sales.
A lot of students from the respective schools will participate in such events. Meanwhile South African swimming has a new rising star.
(Pieter) Coetze, who turns 21 next month, is eager to embrace the spotlight and establish himself as the face of South African swimming – beginning with the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, set to take place from 11 July to 3 August. The Rustenburg-born swimmer delivered one of the standout performances at the recently concluded national championships in Gqeberha, securing qualification for the World Championships in impressive fashion by winning five events. He was overjoyed with his achievement. Although an injury has ruled Chad le Clos out of competing for South Africa at the World Championships in July, he will still join the traveling squad, offering support and serving as a motivational speaker for the swimmers representing the country.
His presence is especially inspiring for Coetze, who looks up to le Clos as a role model and is excited about the opportunity to travel to Singapore alongside him.
The truth is that South African swimming is a revolving door of opportunities. New champions are always scrambling to join the major leagues. They derive inspiration from previous wave makers. Coetze has amazing potential to further South Africa’s swimming dreams and carry the flag further. Singapore, the WAC, is the beginning of propulsion for his career. Coetze like Le Closs could go all the way to the Olympics if propelled. Le Clos likewise may be able to rise above this injury and be able to compete again when the time comes. Being a superb and excellent swimmer, Le Clos could easily represent South Africa again. The younger generation entering swimming as a professional sport look up to Le Clos like Coeze.
Swimming is a healthy sport and one of the most relieving in athletics. Whether recreational or professional it can prove to be healthy for your skin, bones and overall body.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
