Spaces are limited, and keen swimmers are urged to book their spots now, says Oceans 8 Charity Swim. 
 
"Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we're excited to provide swimmers with an opportunity to compete on the East Coast while supporting our local charities," says Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Hilary Bruss.
 
"At last year's inaugural event, more than 170 swimmers competed across 80 miles, raising a phenomenal R926 359.79 for the 14 charities. This year, we hope to double the charitable funds raised," Bruss adds. 
 
This epic ocean swim was started by founding charities — Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino and Singakwenza Early Childhood Education — as a way to provide a sustainable flow of funding for these and 10 other non-profit organisations in KwaZulu-Natal.
 
These include:
  • Adopt-a-River 
  • Caversham Education Institute
  • CROW - The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 
  • Game Rangers’ Association of Africa  
  • International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa 
  • Kerr House 
  • Liberty NPO 
  • One Planet S.A. 
  • Wildlife ACT, and 
  • Umduduzi — Hospice Care for Children. 
Bruss says the Oceans 8 Charity Swim was going a step further by also highlighting the need for ocean conservation.
 
"This is a single-use-plastic-free event that supports local suppliers and all sponsors are supplying items in line with this sustainable messaging. This includes the sponsorship of reusable water bottles and the provision of spring water from Dundee via giant water containers; kit bags made from recycled advertising banners; and handcrafted medals that can be used as beaded keyrings after the event," says Bruss. 
 
Ocean 8 Charity Swim says there are also significant sponsorship opportunities for companies wanting to come on board. Benefits for sponsors include:
  • extensive on-site marketing
  • social media marketing
  • direct mailers
  • listings on national events calendars
  • branded goods, and
  • live broadcasting.
Sponsors will also be supporting the 14 local charities by contributing to the cost of running the event.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim details

Eight miles
  • Swimmers compete four miles on Day one (Saturday, 15 June) and four miles on Day two (Sunday, 16 June). Monday, 17 June is a contingency day.
  • Each mile will start every 75 minutes from 07.30.
  • The entry fee is R1 000 (includes exclusive Oceans 8 Charity Swim costume, bag, cap and medal).
  • A minimum of R5 000 is to be raised for the main charity of choice.
  • The race is limited to 150 swimmers.
  • All swimmers must have completed at least one official sea swim before the event. 
Four miles
  • All funds raised by four-mile swimmers will be split equally between the 10 invitational charities.
  • Swimmers compete two miles on Day one (Saturday, 15 June) and two miles on Day two (Sunday, 16 June). Monday, 17 June is a contingency day.
  • The entry fee is R600 (includes exclusive Oceans 8 Charity Swim costume, cap and medal).
  • A minimum of R3 000 is to be raised for the 10 invitational charities.
  • The race is limited to 20 swimmers.
One mile
  • Choose one of the four events on Day one (Saturday, 15 June) or Day two (Sunday 16 June). Monday, 17 June is a contingency day.
  • Swimmer only needs to enter the age category event if they wish to compete for their age-group medal.
  • Entry fee is R150 (includes cap and medal) PLUS R850 fundraising for charity.
  • All funds raised by one-mile swimmers will be split equally between the 10 invitational charities.
  • The race is limited to 50 swimmers per event.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected], 033 343 1650 or 082 445 6764. 

For more information, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. You can also follow Oceans 8 Charity Swim on Facebook or on Instagram. 
 
*Image courtesy of Facebook