Swimming eight miles to stop drowning

Swimmers united at the Midmar Dam recently for the annual mile long swim, with one particular group paddling for a special cause under a royal brand.

Instead of just swimming in one category of the Midmar Mile, the 8 Mile Charity Club swimmers swam the combined distance of all eight categories to raise money for charity.

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa was the benefactor of the 2016 Midmar Mile 8 Mile Charity Club and sent 22 of their swimmers to the dam.

Foundation project manager, Dominique Donner Rodd, who is based at the head office in Ballito said each swimmer had to raise a minimum of R10 000.

“The money raised is given to the foundation and will go a long way in helping achieve our mission – saving lives by putting an end to drowning,” said Donner, who was one of the 8 Mile swimmers and won her plus 40 age group.

“I am very grateful to my sponsors, Margaret Hirsch (Hirsch’s), Gavin Courtney (Satib) and to my squad of North Coast swimmers for contributing their pocket money to a good cause.”

She said the funding will go towards the ongoing Shakashead community “learn-to-swim” programme.

“Every Saturday, 60 young children are transported in the Ballito foundation bus, sponsored by SA Rugby Legends, to and from the Princess Charlene pool in Ballito. We encourage children to attend all the sessions and develop a passion, respect and love for water.”

After their lesson, the children get a healthy lunch, which Donner said used to be the only motivation to get into the water. Now, however, the lunch is just a bonus, as they kids cannot wait to put their caps on and swim.

Funds received will also go towards the Foundation’s ongoing swimming programme with the children from LIV – Village.

Besides raising funds and awareness, the 8 Mile swimmers also came tops in their catogories.

“Our Tully triplets from Salt Rock did very well, with Megan Tully winning the junior category (13 years and under), while her sisters, Jemma came seventh and Olivia 17th.”

Former Commonwealth Games and African swimming champion, Mark Randall and top KZN open water swimmer Ruan Lotz, both from Ballito, were also part of the 8 Mile team.

For more information about the foundation or to get involved, check out their website www.fondationprincessecharlene.mc or send an email to dominique@princesscharlenefoundation.co.za.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.