Swimmers make a splash for charity

Legendary swimmer Dominique Donner and 11-year-old KZN 200m record holder Monica Botha completed 64 lengths of a 25 metre pool to raise funds for two charities on Sunday, 3 February. The young Aqua Lifestyle Centre’s brand ambassador and her coach completed the 1.6km (one mile) swim to raise funds for the CHOC Cows and Friends of Swimmers Trust.

It was Monica’s first mile swim, while Dominique, who is an ex-SA triathlete, will swim eight miles at the Aquelle Midmar Mile on Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 February. Dominique completed her mile in 21 minutes, 4.88 seconds, while her younger charge finished in 21.24.98.

“We were blessed with good weather for the swim, as it was a bit cloudy and not a blistering hot day,” said Jan Botha, the squad coach at Aqua Lifestyle centre and Monica’s father. “We could clearly see that it was Monica’s first time, as she started with a 1 minute, 12 seconds on the first 100 metres. She slowed down a bit towards the lengths 40 to 50 but came back strong over the last 16 lengths when she got her second breath.

“Many thanks to the community that contributed this far to the CHOC childhood cancer fundraiser,” added Botha. The effort continues as all focus now turns to the Aquelle Midmar Mile this weekend. Anybody who wants to donate can still contribute – visit https://bit.ly/2ROkdwu and use the reference ‘ALC’.

READ ALSO: Toti resident to take on swimming challenge for CHOC