Help YWP swimmer to attain Netherlands dream
Help him become South Africa's next national treasure
A YELLOWWOOD Park swimmer has set a new goal for himself but reaching it has proved to be a challenge for the 17-year-old and his family.
Reuben Schoeman competed in the SA open water nationals at Eikenhof Dam in Cape Town where he took on his first 10km event in the junior division and had to finish in the top two to make the South African Junior team. Placing first in the event allowed him the opportunity to compete at the Fina World junior open water champs which take place between 16 and 18 July in the Netherlands.
The door of opportunity might close early for the star swimmer since the trip requires a whopping R15,000, an amount that is near-impossible for his parents to raise, especially since his dad Abraham Schoeman, who is the sole bread winner, lost his job two years ago. “I do some contract work but it pays little. I really want my son to go to the Netherlands and live his dream as a swimmer. He is a hard worker and very passionate about swimming. He trains about four hours a day and six days a week and it will break his heart knowing he will not to be able to represent his country,” said Abraham.
The youngster has been swimming since grade three where his interest in sports was diverted from cricket by the calling to become a swimmer. “My coach saw I had talent and encouraged me to concentrate more on these talents. I joined several swimming clubs as I grew older, always trying to improve myself as competitive open-water swimmer. I train almost everyday and thanks to the help of my friends and teachers, I have not fallen behind in my school work,” said Glenwood High School pupil.
The open-water swimmer has competed in 25 races including the grueling Aquelle Midmar Mile. “It’s a challenge each time because I’m not only competing with hundreds of other swimmers but I’m in competition with myself – I strive to beat my times and my distances because I believe there is always room for improvement,” added the swimmer.
“He is so excited to compete in Netherlands because he knows the competition will be more intense. We are so proud of him and we ask the community to support him. He is a person who will never let you down in performance, he is not a complainer and is highly motivated. For a young man, he is wise beyond his years and we want to help him achieve his dreams but financially, it is impossible to do. Even if it is helping him with training or small things like protein shakes we would be grateful. Help him become South Africa’s next national treasure,” said Abraham.
Always trying to find ways to improve himself, Reuben’s main goal is to swim in the 2020 Olympics. “It would be a huge step for me and I aim to work harder to achieve that dream. I want that first position and I want to be the greatest, world record breaking swimmer. I advise young swimmers to be dedicated to the sport. You have to be strong and disciplined and do so by setting goals and work towards achieving them,” he said.
To help Reuben reach his Netherlands dream contact Abraham Schoeman on 081-552-3567 or wife Amanda 081-302-4987.
