It’s the final call for anyone looking to enter the first of its kind, warm water ocean challenge exclusively for charity – The Oceans 8 Charity Swim – taking place on 17 and 18 June 2022 at the Durban Undersea Club. The closing date for entrants of the 8 Mile swim is Monday, 23 May and those who enter the 1 Mile swim by Tuesday, 31 May will receive a free buff.
“We are really excited to be hosting the inaugural Oceans 8 Charity Swim and would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has already signed up and shown their support,” said Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss.
Discovery, Thirsti and Mr Price Sport have all signed on as key sponsors for the inaugural event, recognising not only the potential it has as an iconic sporting event in KZN, but also the impact the funding raised will have for the NGO’s involved.
“Massive thanks go out to all the event sponsors, without whom this wouldn’t be possible,” she concluded.
Bruss said the swim is being held at a key time in terms of both ocean conservation and support for NPOs: “Following the recent KZN floods, we’ve witnessed the massive plastic pollution challenge that continues to plague our oceans and we’re hoping to really shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by our NPOs in addressing this. This swim is also about raising the much-needed financial support that allows 14 organisations to continue with the ground-breaking work they are doing.
“The pandemic and lockdown measures have also placed incredible pressure on NPOs. The economy is battling, making sponsorship and funding very hard to come by. By entering this fun ocean swim, communities are showing their support and making it possible for these organisations to continue operating.”
This epic ocean swim was started by five charities;
· Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) – www.duct.org.za
· The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) – www.nsri.org.za
· Project Rhino – www.projectrhinokzn.org.za
· Singakwenza Early Childhood Education – www.singakwenza.co.za
· WILDTRUST – www.wildtrust.co.za
The aim of the Oceans 8 is to provide a reliable and sustainable flow of funding to 14 deserving non-profit organisations in and around KwaZulu-Natal. All funds generated through the 8 Mile swim will support the work of the 5 main charities, allowing these organisations to deliver on projects which impact education, the environment, community development and upliftment for those most in need.
In addition to this, funds generated by the 1 Mile swim will assist a further nine invitational charities. These include Adopt-a-River, Caversham Education Institute, CROW – The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Game Rangers’ Association of Africa, International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa, Kerr House, Liberty NPO, One Planet SA, and Wildlife ACT.
Showing support for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim is Lion’s rugby player, James Tedder, who is challenging other provincial rugby players to take on the 1 Mile swim. The event organisers are also hosting an inter-school competition for the 1 Mile with a floating trophy given to the school with the most entrants, as well as one for the school that raises the most money. Even those not competing can assist by raising funds for the individual school contributions, or simply donate towards the cause.
To enter the Oceans 8 Charity Swim, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za.
To donate towards the Oceans 8 Charity Swim cause, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/ocean-8-fundraiser.
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.