Reino von Wielligh with Bruno Cullen, a volunteer paddler who assists the swimmers during the race.
Reino von Wielligh is yet again taking on 16 miles (25,7 kilometres) for a worthy cause.
“My mission for this journey is to make people aware of the dangers that will follow in the future, if we do not look after our rivers and water, especially in this time in our country where water is scarce and every drop counts,” said Reino, a long distance and national Open Water Squad member.
He will be swimming the annual aQuelle Midmar Mile this year, to raise awareness about the Duzi and Umgeni Rivers which flow in and out of the dam. With this gruelling aquatic event on the horizon, Reino hopes to achieve future resource security, by having clean water flow into the dam and ensuring all future sporting activities can continue in the years to come.
“This year will be my third year swimming the 16 miles for the DUCT (the Duzi Umgeni Conservation Trust). As I am an Elite SA open water swimmer, I am used to swimming in different dams and I see the challenge as a way of giving back to the environment.”
Reino (fourth from right) with other Midmar competitors.
Reino explained training for a long distance swim could become quite intense: “Over the period of December and January, I have 10 to 12 sessions a week and after work where I swim a distance of five kilometres, and I follow a religious programme which I work on with my coach, Rocco Meiring.”
“This can be seen as an advantage, as swimming keeps you physically fit and will allow you to participate in many other sports,” he added.
Reino von Wielligh with Bruno Cullen.
In terms of local funding and support, Reino explained his journey, “In the past two years, I have received a lot of support from swimming parents at various events which I take part in for the preparation of the 16 miles. My goal however is to have more support from the local community of Newcastle. This will help me with my long-term goal of ensuring we all have clean drinking water in the future.
“I would also like to challenge business owners to donate R1 000 to this cause, which will help me reach my R20 000 target before the cut-off date of February 8.”
When Reino is not in the water or at work, he enjoys rebuilding old cars and spending quality time with his friends and family.
If you would like to donate to Reino’s cause, all donations can be done through the Kydrin Foundation website: https://kydrin.co.za/goals /776.
The Newcastle Advertiser wishes Reino all the best for his upcoming race.
