They are swimming to raise funds for non-profit organisation ORT SA.
The organisation’s Robyn Smookler said, “What motivates ORT SA to take on the highest mountains and swim the deepest, icy, shark-infested seas? It is growth: to grow from the experience and to challenge both ourselves and our beneficiaries to learn to overcome adversity.”
Open water swimming legend Theodore Yach, branded “The King of Robben Island”, has been mentoring the team and educating them on the training requirements and risks involved, such as hypothermia and sharks, but at the same time, highlighting the inspiration they will feel when they step onto the beach.
Swimmers have been diligently training on a daily basis and encouraging each other through social media, with the support of friends and family. Each swimmer has also embarked on his or her own personal fundraising endeavour. All funds raised will be dedicated to ORT SA’s educational projects.
One of the projects is called ‘Geared for Life’ and gives Grade 10 pupils from disadvantaged areas an opportunity to complete a full-year qualification over the course of three years. Pupils are offered an
additional qualification in marketing, project management and paralegal studies by the time they leave school.
ORT SA also assists teachers and pupils in township primary schools with maths and science facilitation, and runs women’s empowerment groups and small business training.
-
-
-
-
