Gqeberha athlete Calvin Zeelie will take on the 2026 Ironman African Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay on April 19 with a special purpose in mind: raising funds for children in need.

Summerhill House is a North Coast non-profit caring for vulnerable, orphaned and abandoned children in Etete, near Shakaskraal. The 33-year-old, a law graduate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University – and currently a chief officer aboard a superyacht – is dedicating his fifth Ironman to the children supported by the organisation.

Zeelie, who grew up watching Ironman broadcasts on television, said competing in the global endurance series had long been a personal dream, but turning that passion into purpose had taken time.

“I’ve always wanted to give back, but didn’t know how,” he said.

“Then in December, Nicole messaged me and asked if I’d help, and I said ‘yes’. After we spoke, I knew this was for a good cause and I was happy to jump on board.”

That message came from Nicole Kitchen, Summerhill House’s events fundraising co-ordinator, who first met Zeelie in 2024 when the two worked on the same yacht. After returning to land and joining the non-profit, Kitchen began searching for innovative fundraising avenues.

“When I started investigating fundraising options, I came across Ironman4Kids,” said Kitchen.

“I knew that Calvin was racing, so I reached out to him. Without hesitation, he said he would love to get involved.”

Funds from Zeelie’s Ironman4Kids campaign will go towards Summerhill House’s education fund, which ensures children in their care receive schooling, therapeutic support and specialised assistance for those with learning disabilities.

Despite having never visited the North Coast before, Zeelie travelled to the orphanage last week to meet the children who will benefit from the initiative. The experience, he said, left a deep impression.

“I came to visit the kids and spend time with them so they could also meet me,” he said.

“I come from a privileged background, but I’m just blown away by how happy these children are. It was an amazing but humbling experience.”

Donations towards Zeelie’s campaign can be made at hero.ironman4thekidz.co.za/heroes/calvin-zeelie.