SWIMMING: Reino swims for the environment

Reino – head boy of Ferrum High School in 2011 – is swimming on behalf of the Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and its fight against waste mismanagement.

November 25, 2017

Bruce Douglas 2 minutes read

Reino von Wielligh is swimming 16 miles in aid of water resource conservation.

Reino von Wielligh is safeguarding the environment one swim at a time.

Deciding this year to make a difference in the lives of others, Reino has undertaken a pledge to swim 16 miles (approximately 25.7 kilometres) at next year’s Midmar Mile.

With 16 Midmar finishes to his name, the foundation for success is already laid.

“The 16-mile swim involves completing each of the eight events, returning to the finish before the next event starts. This adds up to a 25km swim over the weekend.”

Reino – head boy of Ferrum High School in 2011 – is swimming on behalf of the Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and its fight against waste mismanagement.

His target is the sum of R20 000.

Conserving natural water resources was also a personal undertaking for Reino, whose passion for open water swimming has taken him across the country.

He is thus fighting for cleaner river and dam systems.

“DUCT does absolutely excellent work to help preserve our natural resources, but it needs funds to continue effective and sustainable work.”

In Reino’s words, waste management helped conserve natural resources otherwise disrupted by thoughtless waste disposal and senseless littering.

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He called these resources a legacy and right of future generations.

“Conserving these and our natural resources for their benefit is our responsibility. To manage waste disposal is to protect the environment and the health of the population, which is the responsibility of our generation.”

This mirrored DUCT’s motto of ‘healthy rivers equal health people’.

No stranger to healthy interests himself, Reino studied Computer and Electronic Engineering at North-West University after matriculating.

He is currently enrolled in a Masters course, specialising in telecommunications.

Since hearing he was accepted to swim the 16-mile, Reino has stepped up his training routine, swimming a Herculean 11 sessions per week.

This totalled about eight kilometres distance per day.

Reino explained the sessions were comprised an hour’s distance swimming, a two-hour set and a session on Saturdays.

He interspersed this with either a 5km run or 20km cycle.

“I am looking forward to the holiday as I will be picking up my distance per day to an average of 10 to 12km swimming.”

To support Reino, his 16-mile swimming challenge and his cause, donations can be made via electronic banking or via the following link: www.kydrin.co.za/goals/View/250.

For EFTs, the following details must be used:

Bank – First National Bank; account number – 62 354 140 396; branch code – 250 655; reference – 16 plus your name and surname.

For more information, call 082 389 7905 or email reinovw@live.com.

“I would like to raise a minimum amount of R20 000 for DUCT. Please help me achieve this goal.”