For the first time ever, a 16-Mile event has been added to the annual Oceans 8 Charity Swim, taking place in Durban this June. Schools are encouraged to sign up students and parents to participate and raise funds for charity.

Organisers have announced that two prestigious trophies will be awarded: the Alex Speirs Memorial Trophy for the school that raises the most funds, and the Andrew Cribbins Memorial Trophy for the school with the most participants. Last year, Treverton dominated both categories, while Reddam House Umhlanga and Steyn City School also proved to be strong contenders.

“Through the INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE, schools have an opportunity to contribute to our fundraising efforts, earn community service hours, and compete for two coveted floating trophies,” said event spokesperson Nicci Carvalho.

The Oceans 8 event, which was founded “by charities for charities” in 2023, supports a range of causes including conservation, education, and childcare. Since its inception, more than R1.7 million has been raised to sustain 23 charitable organizations, and the goal is to increase that figure each year for deserving non-profit organizations across KwaZulu-Natal.

“Even outside of the water, swimming fosters mental fitness,” Carvalho added. “The Oceans 8 Challenge provides South African schoolchildren with a healthy way to channel their energy, build confidence, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. It’s a perfect antidote to the academic stress that often accompanies exam preparations.”

Participants in the new 16-Mile event will swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2, including completing the 1-Mile course twice during each event.

Organisers promise that the INTERSCHOOLS 1 MILE CHALLENGE will be bigger and more impactful than ever. This open-water swim, which will take place on June 14-15 at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club, gives students the chance to push their athletic limits, support important causes, and earn recognition for their schools—all while enhancing their mental and physical well-being. Last year, Treverton School led both categories, with Reddam House Umhlanga and Steyn City School also making significant contributions.

Classmates, teachers, family, and friends are all welcome to join in. The entry fee is R200 per swimmer, which includes a cap, medal, goodie bag, and a requirement to raise R800 in support of charity. Those interested can sign up online at www.oceans8swim.co.za, and stay updated by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and oceans8swim on Facebook.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2025 Event Details:

1 Mile Event: Choose one of four events on Day 1 or Day 2. Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.
4 Mile Event: Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2. Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3,000 raised for invitational charities.
8 Mile Event: Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2. Cost: R1,100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
NEW EVENT! 16 Mile Event: Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2, including swimming the 1-Mile course twice during each event. Cost: R1,100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim is an exciting opportunity for schools to unite, challenge their students, and contribute to meaningful causes, all while enjoying a fun and memorable event in the heart of Durban.

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Entries open for interschool challenge at charity swim