BREAKING NEWS:
Marcus Rohrer teams among 365-strong field at extreme
7.5km Cadiz Freedom Swim on Sunday May 2

Marcus Rohrer Spirulina is a proud part sponsor of the Cadiz Freedom Swim, an annual extreme 7.5km swim race from Robben Island to Blouberg which attracts some of the most hard core swimmers in the country – and around the world.

The swim is set for Sunday May 2 and entries have poured in from across the country and around world. The event has been endorsed this year by the Western Cape Provincial Government and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting sea swim races in the world.

A record 365 swimmers have entered – 27 of them from beyond South Africa’s borders.

Among them are two relay teams sponsored by Marcus Rohrer Spirulina. They have been named Marcus Rohrer 1, comprising Mymoemah Gamiet, Valentino Vergotine and Earl Bell. Marcus Rohrer 2 comprises Chante Jarvis, Maruwaan Gamiet and Fahreez Gamiet.

The total prize purse for the event is R87 000 with the winning male and female taking home R15 000 each. The event raises funds for the Vista Nova School for children with learning disabilities. It also celebrates Freedom Day and highlights the role played by Robben Island in South Africa’s struggle for democracy.

The Western Cape government is a part sponsor this year and Premier Helen Zille said her government was pleased “to be able to contribute to this high profile swimming race, which attracts top local and international swimmers and, which helps build the Western Cape’s reputation as a major sporting destination.”

The swim is extreme due to the bone-chilling Atlantic (around 13 degrees), erratic currents and unpredictable weather. Although common, sharks have never been sighted during the race’s nine-year history. Solo swimmers wear only regulation costumes, caps and goggles -- braving potential hypothermia.

A sophisticated medical facility and extensive safety procedures are put in place on race day. The Cape Long Distance Swimming Association oversees the race while the NSRI keeps a close eye on the water.

This year, at least 40 development swimmers are entered -- the direct result of the Cadiz Open Water Swimming Development Trust in which Marcus Rohrer Spirulina was integrally involved through the recent Theodore Yach Ultra Swim.

Extreme swimmers from Australia, the UK, the US, Denmark and Switzerland have also joined the field.

Swim info is available at: www.freedomswim.co.za or from Craig Doonan (organizer) on 021 785-3683