WITH under a week to go, preparations are ramping up for this year’s Oceans 8 Charity Swim which returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club (DUC).

The event takes place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 (reserve day, May 25).

This year there are 14 beneficiary charities for the two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact, and there are 1, 4, 8 and 16-mile events.

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This year’s 4-Mile, 8-Mile, and 16-Mile events are full, but there is still space to enter the 1-Mile event and Interschools Challenge.

Nicci Carvalho, Oceans 8 event spokesperson explained that the event was created by charities, for charities, in response to a very real funding crisis in the non-profit sector.

“What we’ve witnessed has been extraordinary. People are excited to participate in this unique sporting event, but they’re just as committed to the causes as well. Through funds raised, they’re contributing directly to the life-changing work being done by these organisations,” she said.

“To date, the event has raised more than R3 million, supporting several charities working across conservation, environmental protection, early childhood development, wildlife rescue and emergency response.”

To enter and for more info:

Visit www.oceans8swim.co.za.
You can email [email protected].

Charities supported

• Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa • CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) • IPSS Search and Rescue • Makabongwe Pre-School • Made for More • Nazareth House in Berea • Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home • Rise Against Hunger Africa • Sport for Lives • Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children 8 and 16 mile charities • Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust • National Sea Rescue Institute • Project Rhino • Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

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