One of the world’s most extreme sports events, the annual seven-and-a-half kilometre charity swim between Robben Island and Bloubergstrand, has received a dramatic sponsorship boost from Cadiz Financial Strategy Group which aims to turn the event into a global challenge, attracting some of the best names in world long distance swimming.

The first Cadiz-Vista Nova Freedom Swim will take place on Freedom Day, April 27, this year, when a record number of over 100 long distance swimmers are expected to tackle the hazardous stretch of Atlantic Ocean between world famous Robben Island and Bloubergstrand’s Big Bay.

Kundani Tshitimbi, a learner at Vista Nova, with prominent Cape Town long distance swimmers Mel Gow, Ram Barkai and Andrew Chin at Big Bay where the Cadiz-Vista Nova Freedom Swim from Robben Island to the mainland will end on April 27. Picture by: Michael Walker.

The swim began as an annual fund raising event some six years ago by Vista Nova – the largest school for children with learning disabilities in the Western Cape. The swim has since attracted interest from around the world, but sponsorship has been inconsistent. In 2006, Cadiz and Vista Nova School joined forces to take the swim to the next level.

Cadiz’s CEO Ram Barkai said the intention was to raise the event into one of the world’s greatest ocean swims.

The route between Robben Island and the mainland is already widely regarded as one of the most challenging swims in the world. Besides the icy water of between 11 and 14 degrees, strong currents and the potential presence of sharks contribute to the extreme conditions.

Less than 300 swimmers have crossed since Henry Charteris Hooper swam from Robben Island to old Cape Town harbour in 1909 in six hours and 56 minutes.

Race officials, medical staff and emergency personnel will work closely to ensure swimmers are closely monitored. In addition to individuals, relay teams may also enter. Competitors must be seconded by a motorised boat. Swimmers may not wear wetsuits and may not make physical contact with any person or boat during the race.

The race will be swum in two groups of 50 swimmers who will start from Robben Island, 20 minutes apart.

Barkai said the intention was not only to elevate the race into a globally attractive extreme event, but to raise the profile of swimming in general and to try to “connect” the swimmers and their teams to the significance of Robben Island in South Africa’s history.

“We intend to link the swim to the symbolism and history that is characteristic of Robben Island. We have chosen April 27 – Freedom Day – and have called it the Freedom Swim for this very reason.

“Robben Island is one of South Africa’s most important symbols to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is this spirit that the swimmers will strive for in their quest to complete this challenge. ”

Barkai added: “Another aim of the swim is to raise awareness of swimming and the importance of educating children about swimming and water safety. Swimming should not be a privileged sport. Every South African child should be able to swim safely,” said Barkai.

Barkai said the event would be well monitored and all parties, including swimmers, will be fully briefed to ensure the event complies with environmental imperatives as encapsulated in the Robben Island Museum Integrated Conservation Management Plan. He said the swimmers would impact as lightly as possible on the Island.

Robben Island’s CEO, Paul Langa said the Island’s management had endorsed the swim as it would contribute to promoting its awareness as a World Heritage site.

Swim info is available on the Cadiz website at www.cadiz.co.za

* For further information, contact Robert Thompson at Cadiz on 021 657 8421 or Craig Doonan on 083-463-1827.