Oldest competitor says ‘bring it on’ to Oceans 8 Charity Swim
Supporters are also encouraged to come out and cheer on these determined competitors as they brave the (almost) chilly Durban waters for a good cause.
The Durban beaches are open and keen swimmers are getting ready for the epic Oceans 8 Charity Swim in support of local charities.
Taking place on June 16 and 17 at the Durban Undersea Club, Oceans 8 Charity Swim consists of a 1 Mile and 8 Mile ocean swim with swimmers of all ages excited to take to the water.
Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss, said: “We are excited to announce that everything is on track for what looks to be a fantastic Oceans 8 Charity Swim, and with so many NPOs in need of assistance, we’re encouraging as many people to enter this year as possible. We already have 95 x 8 Mile swimmers and 58 x 1 Mile swimmers registered, raising an amazing R666 224 for charity so far, with our youngest competitor coming in at 11 years and our oldest at 76 years. This really is a race for everyone to do something worthwhile for our deserving NPOs.”
Dundee-born, Trevor Lauf, might be coming in as the oldest competitor to be swimming 8 miles, but he’s coming in with a wealth of competitive experience, having competed in several marathons, including the Comrades, as well as several triathlons, winning his age group in the SA Champs.
Having spent 18 years in the retail industry before moving to the medical industry in Gauteng, Lauf has been happily retired in Prestondale, uMhlanga for the past six years, taking advantage of the outdoor KZN lifestyle on offer.
“Swimming is now my first love, and I swim with the Durban Undersea Club with a great group of people about three or four times a week. We often swim about 10km in the ocean, so I’m ready for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Bring it on,” said the avid swimmer and surf ski paddler.
Also, competing on the day, will be Transkei-born Athini Mbena, who says he’s excited to be swimming with world-class swimmers from the Durban Undersea Club.
“I’m from Lusikisiki and grew up swimming in dams and rivers. We used to go, once a year, to the beach at the Wild Coast. I learned freestyle swimming two years ago at the age of 30 and absolutely love swimming! it’s a great honour for me to be part of this event, I’m really excited for the charities we’re raising funds for so they can continue to do their good work,” said Mbena.
Oceans 8 Charity Swim was started by five charities – Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza, and WILDTRUST – to provide a reliable and sustainable flow of funding to 14 deserving non-profit organisations in and around KwaZulu-Natal.
All funds generated through the 8 Mile swim will support the work of these five main charities.
Swimmers only need to enter their age-category even if they are competing for their age-group medal.
Non-competitive swimmers are welcome to choose any of the 8 events over the two days to participate in.
In an effort to minimise plastic use, Quench fresh spring water will be available on tap and Discovery is donating a reusable water bottle to every competitor.
Supporters are also encouraged to come out and cheer on these determined competitors as they brave the (almost) chilly Durban waters for a good cause.
Renowned local emcee, Danny Guselli, will keep everyone updated with commentary at the event, and the little ones will enjoy meeting The Sharks mascot, Sharkie, as well as uShaka Marine World’s ocean warriors; Phila the Penguin, Siva the Seal, Raggy the Shark and Delia the Dolphin.
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