WINTERTON KZN: Polar Bear Swim preparations in full swing
Make a difference and be the voice of those who have no voice
Submitted by Belinda Espag
The Drakensberg Polar Bear Swim has been one of the most supported events in Champagne Valley. This year, it will be held on Saturday, June 26.
Dragon Peaks have been the host to this event since the early 2000s. Initially, it was a handful of locals taking up a sunset challenge on a Saturday closest to the winter solstice. However, they realised that the event would attract more ‘Polar Bears’ if it was held at midday and if it was to be used as a fund-raiser for a local charity.
READ MORE: ‘Virtual’ Polar Bear Swim is a splashing success
The Estcourt SPCA was battling for funds and it was decided that they would be the charity. Many local businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, came on board with donations of prizes for the swimmers. Spectators were encouraged to bring dog and cat food, plus blankets, etc.
There was a sponsor from a dog food organisation who, for years, donated beanies, scarves, towels, etc, to the entrants.
Latterly, the swimmers have had key rings and fridge magnets. We are hoping that a new sponsor will step in and offer this amazing event support.
Estcourt Animal Shelter took over the Estcourt SPCA premises and they were the sole charity for a few years.
Khetani Animal Rescue is now also one of the charities that is benefiting.
The swim not only attracts locals, but many holiday-makers and Master Swimmers from around South Africa, who make a weekend of it.
People are also able to make an EFT if they did not want to swim. In 2020, Ann Gray asked Belinda Espag to come on board. With her expertise in marketing, she took the challenge to a new level with online entries and a virtual swim due to Covid-19.
It was extremely well supported, with a record amount being collected that was shared between Estcourt Animal Shelter and Khetani Animal Rescue. Roy Strydom is commonly known as Papa Bear. This year, the Polar Bear Swim will be held at Dragon Peak Mountain again.
READ: Polar Bear swimmers keep up the giving
The swim is 100 metres, or 25 metres for the not-so-tough. The entry fee is R100 per entry.
We do request everyone attending to please support this worthy cause by bringing along pet food.
If you do not feel like swimming or you cannot attend, we offer four other categories you can enter:
1. Me and my pet photo challenge.
2. My photo challenge – you or friends in some icy water.
3. Video challenge – make a video of you and friends creating your own Polar Bear Swim.
4. Art Challenge – for 12-year-old or younger children. Draw a picture of your pet.
Entries open on May 1, 2021 (Saturday).
All entries can be emailed to polarbearswimdragons@gmail.com.
We have also created some pet food collection spots:
1. Berg Info and Media at Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre.
2. Steak house: The Sale Yard.
3. Restaurant: The Griller.
4. The Drakensberg Boys Choir School.
5. Drakensberg Hot Air Ballooning.
6. Ladysmith: BOSS Electrical /Refrigeration / Air Conditioning.
Follow the Polar Bear Swim on Facebook. Make a difference and be the voice of those who have no voice.
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