At 76, a retired KwaZulu-Natal local is ready to take the plunge for rhinos, rivers, rescuers and other organisations in need. He’ll be the oldest participant in the Oceans8 Charity swim, a title to admire!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (14 June, 2023) — At 76 years old, retired local Trevor Lauf is gearing up to make a splash of change.
In anticipation of the Oceans8 Charity swim this weekend, Trevor has already earned a title as the oldest competitor to tackle the mile, one he wears proudly because everyone can make a difference at any age.
The retired local also tackled the task last year, raising over R16 000 for the NSRI.
Various swimming events will take place on Friday and Saturday, stretched out in Durban waters. Despite their differences in length and endurance, their impact will span much further than miles alone, with the Oceans8 having raised over R700 000 already.
Helping the Helpers
Oceans8 Charity Swim was created by charities for charities and is the first warm water ocean challenge of its kind in South Africa. Swimmers like Trevor have dedicated their swims to worthy causes through crowdfunding initiatives, where every stroke can impact a life; especially wild and aquatic ones.
Non-Profits that will benefit directly from the Oceans8 swim include the Big 5 founders: Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Project Rhino, Singakwenza, and WILDTRUST as well as numerous others.
Meet them!
- Adopt-a-River
- Caversham Education Institute
- CROW – The Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
- Game Rangers’ Association of Africa
- International Sailors’ Society of Southern Africa
- Kerr House
- Liberty NPO
- One Planet S.A.
- Wildlife ACT
Of Trevor’s upcoming swim, he shared nothing but excitement for the challenge.
“Swimming is now my first love, and I swim with the DUC [Durban Undersea Club] with a great group of people about three or four times a week,” explained the avid swimmer and surfski paddler. “We often swim about 10km in the ocean, so I’m ready for the Oceans 8 Charity Swim. Bring it on!”
You can find out more about contributing to the cause via Oceans8 Charity Swim or BackaBuddy.
Meanwhile, another mature sportsman to be inspired by is Johannes Mosehla who recently claimed the title of the oldest person to complete the Comrades Marathon.