Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2023

Oldest Competitor Embraces Challenge of Oceans 8 Charity Swim

Prepare to make a splash as Durban’s stunning beaches open up for the highly anticipated Oceans 8 Charity Swim, a thrilling event aimed at supporting local charitable causes. Scheduled for Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Durban Undersea Club, the Oceans 8 Charity Swim offers participants of all ages the chance to take on either a 1 Mile or 8 Mile ocean swim, promising an exhilarating experience in the water.

Hilary Bruss, the event spokesperson for Oceans 8 Charity Swim, expressed great excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to announce that the Oceans 8 Charity Swim is shaping up to be an incredible event. With numerous nonprofit organizations in desperate need of assistance, we encourage as many people as possible to join us this year!” Bruss continued, “We already have an impressive number of registered swimmers, with 95 individuals signed up for the 8 Mile swim and 58 for the 1 Mile swim. So far, they have raised a remarkable R666,224 for charity. Our participants range from 11 to 76 years old, making this event truly inclusive and meaningful for our deserving nonprofits.”

Among the remarkable competitors, Trevor Lauf, a native of Dundee and the oldest participant in the 8 Mile swim, stands out. Lauf brings a wealth of competitive experience to the event, having completed several marathons, including the Comrades, and triumphed in his age group during the SA Champs triathlons. After spending 18 years in the retail industry before transitioning to the medical sector in Gauteng, Lauf has happily retired to Prestondale in uMhlanga for the past six years, embracing the outdoor lifestyle and taking full advantage of the breathtaking KwaZulu-Natal region.

“Swimming has become my greatest passion, and I swim regularly with the DUC [Durban Undersea Club] alongside a fantastic group of people,” shared Lauf, an enthusiastic swimmer and surfski paddler. He added, “We often cover about 10 kilometers in the ocean, so I am ready for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Bring it on!”

Another inspiring participant, Athini Mbena, born in Transkei, expressed his excitement about swimming alongside “world-class swimmers from the Durban Undersea Club.” Mbena’s early years were spent swimming in dams and rivers in Lusikisiki, with an annual beach visit to the Wild Coast. He learned freestyle swimming just two years ago at the age of 30 and has developed a profound love for the sport. Mbena feels honored to be part of this significant event and eagerly supports the charities that will benefit from the funds raised.

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim was initiated by five charitable organizations, including Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza, and WILDTRUST. Its purpose is to provide reliable and sustainable funding to 14 deserving non-profit organizations in and around KwaZulu-Natal.

The funds generated from the 8 Mile swim will directly support the work of these five main charities. Additionally, the 1 Mile swim will raise funds for nine invitational charities:

1. Adopt-a-River (www.adoptariversa.org)
2. Caversham Education Institute (www.cavershaminstitute.co.za)
3. CROW – The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (www.crowkzn.co.za)
4. Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (www.gameranger.org)
5. International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa (www.saiss.co.za)
6. Kerr House (www.kerrhouse.co.za)
7. Liberty NPO (www.libertynpo.co.za)
8. One Planet S.A. (www.oneplanet.org.za)
9. Wildlife ACT (www.wildlifeact.com)

Entries are still open for the 1 Mile swim, a warm-water ocean challenge exclusively dedicated to charity. Participants can enter for a fee of R150 and are required to either raise R850 for charity or make the full donation themselves. Every cent raised through this fundraising effort will go directly to the nine invitational charities.

For those competing for age-group medals, it is mandatory to enter the specific age-category event. However, non-competitive swimmers are welcome to participate in any of the eight events taking place over the two days. To minimize plastic waste, Quench fresh spring water will be available on tap, and Discovery has generously provided a reusable water bottle for every competitor.

Supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer on these determined swimmers as they fearlessly navigate the (almost) chilly waters of Durban for a worthy cause. The event will feature renowned local MC Danny Guselli, who will provide live commentary, while the young ones can look forward to meeting Sharkie, the mascot of The Sharks, as well as uShaka Marine World’s ocean warriors: Phila the Penguin, Siva the Seal, Raggy the Shark, and Delia the Dolphin.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim Event Details:

Friday, June 16
Event 1: 7 am – Start of 8 Mile and race for ages 71 and over, and disabled
Event 2: 8:15 am – Race for ages 61 to 70
Event 3: 9:30 am – Race for ages 51 to 60
Event 4: 10:45 am – Race for ages 41 to 50

Saturday, June 17
Event 5: 7 am – Race for ages 31 to 40
Event 6: 8:15 am – Race for ages 21 to 30
Event 7: 9:30 am – Race for ages 15 to 20 and inter-school boys
Event 8: 10:45 am – Race for U14 and inter-school girls
Registration for both days: 5 am to 6 am
Race briefing on both days: 6:30 am

The event organizers extend their gratitude to the main sponsors: Discovery, Mr Price Sport, and Pick ‘n Pay. Special thanks are also extended to SAPPI, ShipTech, Adviceworx GFP Financial Planning, Aheers Multisave, Overstone Cottages, Afcon Industrial Equipment, Electrical Projects, and LED Urban for their invaluable contributions in making this event possible.

To participate in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim, please visit www.oceans8swim.co.za.

To make a donation toward the Oceans 8 Charity Swim cause, please visit www.backabuddy.co.za/ocean-8-fundraiser.

Stay updated on all the exciting action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.