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IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
10 Lamontville swimmers set to compete in Oceans 8 Charity Swim
Ten young swimmers from Lamontville township have been sponsored by Balwin Foundation NPC to compete in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Image: Anthony Grote Photography) Ten young swimmers from Lamontville township in Durban, will make waves at this year's Oceans 8 Charity Swim, thanks to sponsorship from the Balwin Foundation NPC. The group, from Lamontville Swimming Academy (LSA), will take part in the high-profile open-water event at Vetch's Beach on 14 and 15 June. The Oceans 8 Charity Swim is a unique event founded by charities for charities, benefiting 14 non-profit organisations across KwaZulu-Natal. For the LSA swimmers, it is a rare opportunity to compete on a big stage and raise their community's profile in the sport. 'We are thrilled to be part of the 2025 Oceans 8 Charity Swim, standing in support of the Youth Development Programme that is changing lives through access to swimming education,' said Ryan Kalk, Joint-MD of Balwin Foundation NPC. 'This powerful initiative aligns closely with our own Learn2Swim Programme, a cornerstone of Balwin Foundation's commitment to water safety, youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.' Balwin Foundation is sponsoring six boys and four girls from LSA. The swimmers, who have trained extensively, will test their endurance and resilience in open water. LSA was founded by coach Lungisani Zulu to offer local youth an alternative to the daily challenges of township life, including crime, drugs, and unemployment. The Academy has already trained numerous swimmers who now serve as lifeguards across Durban's beaches. 'As a coach, it's been inspiring to work with such a dedicated group in our swimming club,' Zulu said. 'These young swimmers are showing real character, training hard, and aiming high. Some have already competed and done incredibly well. We all share the same vision, to grow in the sport, compete on big stages, and represent our community with pride.' Zulu dreams of even greater success for his young charges: 'We've already produced many lifeguards serving across Durban's beaches, but my dream is to one day see the first swimmer from our community stand on the Olympic podium. With support from Oceans 8, Arena, Balwin Foundation NPC, and our local leaders, we're building something powerful.' This year marks the second time LSA swimmers will participate in Oceans 8. In 2024, an anonymous donation enabled four swimmers to enter the event as part of the Youth Development Swimmers Programme, an experience that brought valuable exposure and new sponsorships. Event spokesperson Nicci Carvalho said: 'We are so excited to host swimmers from the LSA again this year and are incredibly grateful to Balwin Foundation NPC for supporting our Youth Development Swimmers Programme. Together, we're opening up opportunities and creating real change in and out of the water.' Online entries for the Oceans 8 Swim close on June 12, but swimmers can still sign up on the day at Vetch's Beach. For more information visit THE MERCURY
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
IN PICTURES: KAP sani2c Adventure and ‘OG'
IN PICTURES: KAP sani2c Adventure and 'OG' The KAP sani2c Adventure and 'OG' - two versions of the 21st edition of the KAP sani2c - took place last week, with about 1 000 riders per event riding 270 kms over three days. A competitor gestures while riding through a sunflower field. Over the three days, riders are also taken throug indigenous forest, farmlands, tribal lands and nature reserve. The race takes place from Glencairn farm near Underberg down to Scottburgh on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Pictures by Devin Paisley and Anthony Grote Heading out on stage one from near the base of the Sani Pass, the 'OG' KAP sani2c sees the UCI 'pro' riders following a Ford vehicle through a neutral zone before the racing begins. Crossing the PG Bison Floating Bridge across the Mossbank Dam near Pevensey. From Pevensey the route winds through the Donnybrook area to Mackenzie Club in Creighton, near Ixopo, where 'Farmer Glen' Haw, the founder of the event, greets riders – along with the Lynford School learners who hand out chocolate milks and other refreshments. Lynford School was the original beneficiary that the race was started to fund, and over 20 years later there are over 23 beneficiary schools and community organisations. Most riders behind them are out to enjoy a challenging ride and not race through the beautiful scenery, passing through midlands dairy farms and forestry plantations. Riders are encouraged along the way by many community members, especially excited children. The iconic cabbage tree seen during the famous descent into the Umkomaas Valley known as the 'Umko Drop'. This descent and its spectacular views, are two of the big reasons KAP sani2c is on most mountain bikers' bucket lists. Much of the route is singletrack. Stoked! At the start of stage 2, ahead of the 'Umko Drop'. After the 'Umko Drop' riders face the Unitrans Iconic Climb, using a water station and refuel stop before the challenge. Nature's bounty greets at every turn through a mountain biking singletrack heaven. Lifeguards on duty at Scottburgh beach greet tired riders, who, after crossing the Hansgrohe floating bridge across the lagoon onto the beach, have just a kilometre or two to go to the Scottburgh Golf Club finish line. That finish line feeling. After a final push up the fairway, a rider reacts enjoying the sea views, ready for a chocolate milk and a burger. MORE PICTURES: ABSA Cape Epic a true endurance test and Is the Cape Town Cycle Tour the world's most beautiful race?
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Iconic Totalsports Women's Race to light up South Africa's streets in 2025
PinkDrive Charity The PinkDrive Charity have been overwhelmed by the support they receive from the event and the participants. Photo: Anthony Grote Image: Anthony Grote The iconic Totalsports Women's Race, South Africa's largest celebration of Women's Month, will feature three 2025 races in three major cities, over three consecutive weeks. The first race starts in Durban on Sunday, August 3, followed by Cape Town on Saturday, August 9, and ends in Johannesburg on Sunday, August 17, 2025. For the past 13 years, the event has attracted elite athletes and social runners. It offers athletes a unique opportunity to compete in a world-class, women-only race on South African soil. Michael Meyer, the managing director of Stillwater Sports, convenes the event, which attracts 30,000 women across the country. 'We are proud to convene the race, which is South Africa's largest Women's Month celebration. Each year, this iconic event unites over 30,000 women across three major cities – Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg – offering participants the opportunity to take on a scenic 5km or 10km route, whether they run or walk," said Meyer. "From elite athletes to social runners and walkers, the event aims to provide an inclusive and empowering experience, celebrating the strength and spirit of women in a vibrant and supportive environment.' Since its inception, the charity of the Totalsports Women's Race is PinkDrive. Athletes can support by entering 10km or 5km events. PinkDrive will again be flying the flag for the event as the camaraderie of thousands of women comes together to celebrate Women's Month. Nelius du Preez, PinkDrive Operations Manager, said the Totalsports Women's Race is a truly special event. 'It's beautiful to witness a 'sea of pink' as women come together, filling the streets of three major cities in support of one another - standing united and prioritising their health in an active, uplifting environment,' said Du Preez. 'Thanks to the platform provided by the Totalsports Women's Race, we can continue serving communities across South Africa. 'The funds help us achieve our core purpose: to make a meaningful contribution to preventing as many people as possible from succumbing to breast, cervical, prostate, and testicular cancer. 'The event gives us the perfect platform to spread the powerful message that early detection can save lives. 'Please continue supporting PinkDrive to keep our mobile units on the road and help the medically uninsured.'
