A winter swim development day for underprivileged youth…
On 16 July 2012 Cecilia Schutte, in collaboration with NGO Development through Sport, has put in place a tough winter swim development day for 50 underprivileged youth at outdoor Seapoint Pavilion Pool, Cape Town.
Capetonian Cecilia Schutte, the first SA Woman to swim an ‘Ice Mile’, is a well recognized extreme swimmer. She is also known for her most recent record breaking swim, from Big Bay around Robben Island and back – the first person to brave this daunting challenge – a marathon swim of about 23kms. This hardy young women had to swim through strong currents, heavy swells and scours of bluebottles to achieve her goal. She dedicates her life and all her swimming endeavours to raising funds and bettering the conditions of those less fortunate – especially young people. This swim was in aid of a young girl suffering from cancer.
“I am very passionate about using my talents to contribute to those less fortunate, and tackling the issues our youth face is very close to my heart.”
Her latest challenge does not take this real-life mermaid too far from the water.
The winter swim development day’s purpose is to create and establish a platform where youth can be inspired to push their own body’s boundaries by learning water safety skills in mid-winter and freezing temperatures. The program also includes an educational element focusing on human rights, anti drug education and basic moral codes.
The NGO Development Through Sport aims to empower children through teaching vital life skills, and for the children to then be able to use these skills to create opportunities for themselves. Statistically, drowning in South Africa is an extensive problem and for this reason Development Through Sport’s core focus will be this important life skill, and grow from here.
“Swimming is the one sport everyone can relate to, regardless of culture, age or nationality. I want to inspire young men and women to push through their own boundaries and use their own talents to better their conditions and those of others. I believe in the aims of Development through Sport and what they want to achieve as an NGO, hence our collaboration on this project and many more to come. I also am grateful for the support of Speedo and Pick n Pay for helping make such a pgm a reality.”
“This program will also show the youth that there is hope and a way to move forward and that they can set a path to their own destiny by learning ‘mind over matter’ and important life skills. They can then truly break free of their own bondage and overcome obstacles to push their own boundaries and, who knows – perhaps be inspired to become future leaders of a really great South Africa..”
The project is a long-term endeavour that can only be taken forward and expanded through corporate and private sponsorships, so any and all support is welcome.
For more information on how you can contribute, please email Cecilia on info.ceciliaschutte@gmail.com.
Also have a look at the website: www.devthroughsport.co.za
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