It was a morning of fun and entertainment, all for a good cause as the fifth edition of the Waterfront Canal Challenge took place at the Battery Park Canal at the V&A Waterfront on Saturday 6 April.
About 200 swimmers took part in the event, which comprised a 1 600 m and an 800 m open water swim.
Swimming started at Battery Park, followed by a circular route past the One & Only Hotel and finished at Battery Park.
The event was organised by the Rotary Club (RC) Waterfront, a member of Rotary International, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and is aimed at helping local communities make sustainable change.
This year, to ensure inclusivity, the swim also allowed para swimmers and their guides to take part.
A total of 157 swimmers swam the 1 600 m, with another forty-three swimmers swimming the 800m race.
Several learners from various schools took part in the school’s challenge. Some of South Africa’s top swimmers like Rotary Club Waterfront ambassador Michelle Weber, who recently broke the South African ladies’ record for swimming across the English Channel, also took part in the challenge.
Mymoena Ismail, RC Waterfront president, said the Waterfront Canal Challenge is a fun family event for the swimming community and has been supported by the V&A Waterfront since its inception.
“The funds that we raise will be designated for the various projects that the Rotary Club of the Waterfront supports to help at-risk youth find meaningful employment aimed at breaking the poverty cycle.”
All proceeds will go towards Salesians Institute Youth Projects in Green Point, the Christine Revell Children’s Home in Athlone, and the Roxy Foundation based in Muizenberg.
Ismail added that they aim to create a society and economy that “promotes the well-being of all”.
“Last year, we founded a Smart Work Centre at Salesians Institute, which provided more than 150 at-risk learners with access to digital skills and work-integrated learning opportunities at local companies. We strongly believe that together we can make a difference in the lives of many.”
The Rotary Club Waterfront is actively involved in the Salesian’s Stitch Ahead programme, a joint initiative aimed at economically empowering women to provide for their families.
As part of this effort, a micro-factory was established where women diligently produced over 200 waterproof goodie bags required for participants in the challenge.
Frieda Pehlivan, communication manager for SIYP, said they are grateful to the club for their continuous support.
“Their collaboration has enabled us to secure our first contract, producing 300 drawstring bags for the canal swim. This partnership exemplifies the collective effort required to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact within our communities.”
The overall winner, Ruan Terblanche was awarded the Waterfront Canal Challenge Theodore Yach Elite Mile Trophy.
The late Yach (open-water swimming mentor) was the
Waterfront Canal Challenge’s inaugural ambassador in 2018.
At the time, Yach held the record for the highest number of Robben Island Crossings at 108.
June Webber, Director: public image and membership Rotary Club Waterfront, said the event is Africa’s only urban canal swim.
“Every year, individuals take a plunge into the Waterfront Canal with a shared objective of promoting a society that prioritises well-being.”
She explained that as an organisation their biggest challenge is funding.
“We want to build corporate relationships. “Money is dwindling, corporates don’t have the money that they used to have. So, this makes it hard to raise funding for projects. If we had more money, we could do more stuff.”
Webber appealed to people to join the Rotary Club and become a volunteer. “The more members we have the more work we can do.”
Visit www.waterfrontrotary.co.za for more information or to join the club.
