WELKOM – The Welkom Super Seals Swimming Club made a splash with its inaugural two-hour Swim Relay Fundraiser at Virgin Active, bringing swimmers, non-swimmers, families, friends and businesses together for a day of endurance, fun and community spirit.

The event, held on 15 August, aimed to promote swimming while raising funds to support the club’s swimmers with gala travel, swimming development and essential apparel.

Teams of four to six participants could enter. Participants ranged from experienced swimmers to non-swimmers, with the event designed to show that everyone can enjoy the water and that learning to swim can help prevent drowning.

For two hours, at least one member of each team had to remain in the pool. Participants could swim, walk, float or use equipment, and were free to use any swimming stroke. The number of laps completed by each team was recorded.

The seven teams collectively covered an impressive 50,75 km during the event, putting their endurance to the test. At the end of the challenge, the top three teams were presented with medals, gifts from Virgin Active and food vouchers.

The results were:

■ 1st – Aqua-holics Anonymous (376 laps) with team members Tristan Venter, Taytum Venter, SJ Nel, Kaira Nel, Dirk Nel and Shyenne Laubscher.

■ 2nd – Amigos (312 laps) with Chris Savva, Alexio Savva, Jordan Wiesner, Levi Bouwer and Vicky Vaughan.

■ 3rd – Calibre Boys (306 laps) with members Hayden Barnes, Jovian Barnes, Bradley Barnes, Nathan van Rensburg, Ryno van Rensburg and Jayden Nel.

■ 4th – Spatsels (291 laps) with members Lariska Naudé, Elzette Papenfus, Petru Koch, Megan Nel, Jeandrie du Plessis and Liam Erasmus.

■ 5th – Fins and Paddles (273 laps)

with Corinne Mansill, Donna van Wyk, Genevieve Venter, Shaunagh Reynders, Louise Viljoen and Natalie.

■ 6th – Concord Cranes (258 laps) with members Ryno van Rensburg, Japie Nel, Danté Barrett, Nicole van Rensburg and Nathan van Rensburg.

■ 7th – Metal Monkeys (210 laps) with team members Riekus Spruew, Marius Du Toit, Jan Jacobs, Ruan Spruew, Demitri Barnes and Matthew Bam.

“Despite the gruelling challenge, the atmosphere remained upbeat, with plenty of memories made along the way. By the end of the two hours, participants were exhausted, but proud to have completed the challenge,” says Jules Laubscher of the club.

This success has encouraged the club to make it an annual event.

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