Entries open for ocean challenge swim

THE fourth installation of Durban’s most iconic 5km ocean swim, the Four Elements Ocean Challenge, is set for Saturday, 13 May from Point Yacht Club.

“We are really looking to boost the number of competitors participating in this year’s event which is set to be another exciting and challenging swim.”

“The aggregate swimming distance of the previous three events swum by 229 participants, is 1 192km, and we are hoping to exceed 1 800km for all four swims with this year’s event,” said Olivia Taylor, founder of Four Elements Conservation NPC.

Taylor was just 14 years old when she established Four Elements Conservation NPC, a non-profit environmental preservation organisation, five years ago. The Four Elements Ocean Challenge is one of the NPC projects that raises funds for, and awareness about, ocean conservation.

The event is held as a celebration of World Oceans Day (8 June) calling for international collaboration in the preservation of oceans. This year’s World Oceans Day is themed ‘Our Oceans, Our Future’ with a focus on plastic pollution prevention and the cleaning of all marine litter.

The funds raised from this year’s swim will go towards the launch of our exciting new initiative, an online education programme focusing on environmental entrepreneurship for youth.

“Conservation cannot be a side-line project practised by a select few. We are beyond that now. It needs to become a part of everyone’s consciousness, propelling all decisions going forwards,” said Olivia.

The Four Elements Ocean Challenge is a point-to-point swim setting off from Point Yacht Club travelling about 5km to Country Club Beach (Bike and Bean) with the prize-giving following the race completion.

The entry donation of R375 per swimmer includes a cap and T-shirt in the male or female open, 30 to 49 years, 59 years and over categories. The Four Elements Ocean Challenge is designed to test the toughest swimmers so, although wetsuit swimmers are permitted, they are not eligible for prizes.

Prizes are awarded for the winners of the various categories.

“While it’s important to honour these achievements, the Four Elements Ocean Challenge is also about celebrating all the stories of human endeavour experienced throughout the race,” said Taylor.

Enter online at: www.fourelementsconservation.org.