Freedom Day Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg

Elite swimmers will brave what is known as the “Everest” of open water swimming to raise funds for charity this Freedom Day

Some of the world’s greatest open water swimmers are among a record field of about 400 participants at the extreme 7.5km Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg. Taking place on Saturday, 21 April 2018, the race recognises Freedom Day (which is the next week, on 27 April), the day back in 1994 when South Africa became a democracy.

The Freedom Swim is one of the toughest open water swimming events of its kind due to the icy ocean (around 13°C) and strong currents.

 The event will be raising funds for Vista Nova School for children with learning disabilities. In addition to this, the Freedom Swim also supports the Phoenix Swimming Club, a development swimming club. “This is a dream come true for our swimmers,” says the chairman of the Phoenix Swimming Club. “To rise above the challenges facing disadvantaged communities and to participate in one of the world’s greatest extreme swim races is incredibly empowering and inspirational for our community,” he added.

“The freedom swim also celebrates South Africa’s democratic status and the role played by Robben Island in achieving democracy in South Africa. The Island is an integral partner,” says Ram Barkai, founder and CEO of the International Ice Swimming Association, who is hosting the event.

South Africans are certainly doing their bit swimming by taking to the waters for charity. Earlier this year, 11-year-old Abriella Bredell became the youngest person to swim the channel from Robben Island to Big Bay. Bredell took on the challenge to raise money for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

The race is rated among the top 100 open water swims in the world and a field of about 140 solos and 260 relay swimmers are expected.

Spectators are invited to gather at Big Bay from 9.30am to support the swimmers.

To enter please visit www.bigbayevents.co.za

Entry fees for the 2018 Freedom Swim:

*Please note that entry fees do not include boat support

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