​The City of Cape Town is a proud supporter of this year’s Freedom Swim, which not only celebrates South Africa’s democracy, but also raises funds for the Vista Nova School.

Freedom Swim

‘April is a significant time for South Africans as we celebrate our democracy and our freedom. The Freedom Swim kicks off this time with an event that celebrates unity, strength and a shared heritage,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Councillor Garreth Bloor.
  
There are two categories: solo and relay. The solo race starts from Robben Island Harbour and ends on the beach in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand.

The relay race comprises four swimmers, with only one swimmer in the water at any time.
 
The event was founded as the Freedom Swim in 2001, although it was run before that for several years by Vista Nova school. From this year, the event will be scheduled for one day only as opposed to two days previously.
 
‘The Freedom Swim is a highlight of the swimming calendar because the conditions challenge athletes, with the solo swimmers getting into the water without wetsuits. Their preparation and participation requires dedication and passion, which is another reason to celebrate this event and its participants,’ said Councillor Bloor.
 
City of Cape Town competitors
 
This year three of the swimmers are City staff members: Michael Arendse and Seelan Nair who are both in the Information Systems and Technology Department, and Jeanne Guild who works in Executive Committee Services.
 
Michael, from Retreat, is doing his third solo swim, and this event is also part of his ‘big three’ sporting events to participate in. The others are the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Two Oceans Half Marathon.
 
‘The swim is the ideal climax to this trio of trials that my 53-year-old body will be tested against. I think of the many failed attempts by prisoners in the last 300 years. With so many having proven the possibility to complete the swim and an icon like Theodore Yach who has done it 99 times, Robben Island will never again be used as a place to effectively imprison people,’ said Michael.
 
Mr Yach will be attempting his 100th Robben Island crossing at the end of April.
 
Training with Michael is colleague Seelan Nair from Athlone. It will be Seelan’s first swim and while he said the preparation was fun, it also challenged him.
 
‘I’ve had to push myself but I’m learning more about who I am. There have been some rough moments while training. Our preparation from January involved a weekly swim at the Sea Point Pavilion pool starting at 2 km and increasing the distance by an extra set each week. By next Wednesday we will be doing the 7,5 km endurance experience necessary for the big day,’ Seelan explained.
 
Jeanne of Parow North will be doing her first solo Freedom Swim. She was inspired after being a spectator at last year’s event and has trained since then by doing open water swims.
 
‘I’m very excited and nervous. I know I’ll enjoy it and I can’t wait to get into the water,’ said Jeanne.
 
‘We wish all the swimmers well in their preparation and for the crossing. Many international athletes participate and we hope everyone takes the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Town and spend time enjoying what the city has to offer,’ said Councillor Bloor.
 
For more information, residents should please visit www.freedomswimseries.co.za.