10 Township Swimmers Get the Chance to Compete in this Year’s Ocean’s 8 Charity Swim

In the heart of Durban’s Lamontville township is a group of passionate young swimmers who are being taught that sport can change lives. Now, with the support of Balwin Foundation NPC, 10 competitors from Lamontville Swimming Academy (LSA) will have their dream realised of competing in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim event on 14 and 15 June at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club.

Founded by charities for charities, the annual Oceans 8 event is committed to creating a sustainable flow of funding for 14 deserving non-profits across KwaZulu-Natal, while making a powerful impact on South Africa’s open-water swimming community. For the LSA swimmers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in a high-profile, open water swim.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Ryan Kalk, Joint-MD of Balwin Foundation NPC, said: “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. 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.”

Kalk continued: “Driven by the vision of our CEO, Steve Brookes, we are passionate about helping every child in South Africa learn how to swim, not just for sport, but for survival. We believe that water safety is a right, not a privilege, and through our continued partnership with organisations like Oceans 8, we are working to ensure that no child is left behind. Together, we are making waves and saving lives.”

Balwin Foundation NPC is sponsoring 6 boys and 4 girls from LSA who have been training, hoping for the opportunity to compete in this open-water swim that will not only test their sporting limits but also enhance their mental and physical well-being. This is a unique opportunity for each child, with the competition building confidence in young swimmers, as well as exposing them to further sponsorship and upliftment opportunities.

Nicci Carvalho, Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, added: “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.”

From Township Pool to Ocean Challenge

LSA is a beacon of hope for the township community of Lamontville. Led by dedicated coach and founder Lungisani Zulu, the Academy nurtures young talent by teaching swimming skills and offering an alternative to the challenges of township life - crime, drug abuse, and unemployment.

An anonymous donation in 2024 enabled four LSA swimmers to participate in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim for the first time as part of the Youth Development Swimmers Programme. The story of these swimmers captured the hearts of many and led to generous gear donations from Arena South Africa, as well as greater visibility for the Academy’s mission.

“As a coach, it’s been inspiring to work with such a dedicated group in our swimming club. 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,” commented Coach Lungisani Zulu.

“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.

The INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE

• Who can enter? Classmates, teachers, family and friends representing the school.
• When and where? 14 and 15 June at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club
•        Entry fee? R200 per swimmer (includes cap, medal, goodie bag) + R800 raised to            support charity
• How to enter? Visit www.oceans8swim.co.za

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025 Events

• 1 Mile Event: Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2. Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.

• 4 Mile Event: Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2. Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.

• 8 Mile Event: Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

• NEW EVENT! 16 Mile Event:  Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2. Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event. Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5 000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

8 and 16 Mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:

• Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
• National Sea Rescue Institute
• Project Rhino
• Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

1  and 4 Mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025:

• CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
• Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa
• IPSS Search and Rescue
• Makabongwe Pre-School
• Made for More
• Nazareth House in Berea
• Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children
• Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
• Rise Against Hunger Africa
• Sport for Lives

To enter, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za. For more information or to learn about partnership opportunities, contact info@oceans8swim.co.za. Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook