Plett Swimming NPO puts Kids’ Safety First
ON March 28, the Plett community quite literally jumped in to swim as many lengths as possible in one hour, in the process raising funds and officially launching the non-profit organisation, Adopt a Swimmer.
NPO Registration
After a long eight-month wait, the initiative was officially registered as NPO at the highest database level on March 20. And eight days later, a brilliantly supported Swimathon showed the people of Plett’s commitment to developing swimming skills for all Bitou’s children.
From the teeny tod aged two, to a 66-year-old visiting friend, young and old swam their hearts out – and, with category prizes up for grabs, the competition was tight.
A huge thank you to Sponsors
Thanks go to prize sponsors Tree House Lodge, Monkeyland, Adventureland, Tenikwa, Ocean Blue, Rogers Jewellery, Colleen Nel, The Happy Shop, High Street Chemist; The Grand Cafe; Picardi Industrial; Ruby Soul; Prêt e Porte; Bramon, Steers, Plett Sports and the Piesang Valley Gym & Pool.
Why Adopt a Swimmer?
The Plett Aquatics team of Gareth Menton and Louise Auersperg has, during the past three years, realised that nearly 80% of local youngsters are unable to swim, largely due to the cost of swimming lessons.
Now Adopt a Swimmer will afford kids of all backgrounds the opportunity to develop this essential life skill, while pursuing an aggressive sponsorship and fundraising programme to underpin the strategic direction set for its operation.
Says Louise: “Our primary focus is on financing children who cannot afford swimming lessons. But what’s more, if any of these kids show promise and wish to pursue swimming as a sport, every opportunity towards this end will be supported by Adopt a Swimmer.”
How you can Help
A bright future lies ahead for this NGO, and a safer future indeed for the kids it will serve. Email eve@adoptaswimmer for further information or visit the Adopt a Swimmer website.