Ubuntu swimmers ready for next step
The youngsters initially learned water safety, but have now progressed to the next stage, hoping to be eligible for competition soon.
From learning the basics of water safety, to getting ready to enter competitions, Ubuntu Swim and Surf kids are enjoying a meteoric rise.
The programme began at the Shaka’s Head pool to ensure that as many local children as possible would be water safe.
It was an instant success – seeing children from not only Shaka’s Head, but also Groutville, Thembeni and Driefontein getting water education.
With the support of the Balwin Foundation since 2020 – the charitable wing of Balwin Properties – the programme has remained sustainable.
“We are very grateful for their support, because the reality of the situation is that without their help we could have closed,” said Ubuntu Swim and Surf manager, Koketso Nkosi.
Many of the children are now competent swimmers and surfers thanks to the commitment of the coaches, under the guidance of head coach Phumlani Maluleka.
And as their abilities grow, so too has the ambition of the kids who are now eager to begin competing.
Enter Seals North Coast Swimming team coach, Dominique Donner-Rodd, who has volunteered her time since June to help the youngsters take the next step.
“In winter the Shaka’s Head pool is not available as it’s not heated. On the weekends, however, we have been able to host the advanced squad of 18 children (aged 12 to 16) at Crawford International North Coast,” said Donner-Rodd.
They join swimmers who are training with the Seals team, making friends while learning from one another.
“With the increased level of training, we hope to be able to register them with Swim South Africa which will allow them to compete in local competitions going forward,” she said.
If you would like to help out the Ubuntu team, their main obstacle at the moment is transportation for the children who do not live in Shaka’s Head.
You can email info@ubuntuswimandsurf.org.za or call 068 063 3383 to find out more, or follow the progress on the Ubuntu Swim and Surf Facebook page.
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