He admits he’s not much of a swimmer, but Luca Amerseder is determined to give the upcoming Robben Island Escape swim his all to support those battling severe illnesses in the heart of Port Shepstone in KZN.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 April 2025) – The comfort zone is… well… a pretty “comfy” place to be. It’s easy and familiar. But every now and again, we need to listen to the inner voice that convicts us to do something that challenges us to step out of this zone – to choose the powerful pull of conviction over convenience.
Looking to do just that is a young and compassionate Grade 11 learner, Luca Amerseder. While the basketball enthusiast admits he is not much of a swimmer, Luca has chosen to complete a school project on Open-Water Swimming for a greater cause.
“I would like to really make this swim count for more, impacting more than just myself, and hence I have chosen to swim for a cause,” shares Luca.
He will be swimming the Robben Island Escape in Cape Town in May 2025, an approximately 8km cold Atlantic open water crossing with the hope of raising R20,000 for a Port Shepstone-based charity, Genesis Ministries of South Africa.
Luca’s eyes were opened to a whole new world of challenges and potential possibilities when he and his class first visited the organisation last year as part of a community camp.
“I was so inspired by the good work that they do.”
Genesis Ministries of South Africa, through its Community Hope and Care programme, provides medical and emotional support to members of the surrounding community who have suffered from strokes, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, TB, cancer, post-operative conditions and chronic illnesses.
“Many of these patients are bedridden, and their basic needs are not met as they have few resources.
“I witnessed first-hand the interaction, compassion and care that the Genesis team offered, and I would like to do what I can to help,” explains Luca.
This initiative is one that lies close to this young man’s heart – he’s even willing to brave cold and unfamiliar waters for it.
To support his mission, visit Luca’s BackaBuddy page.
Sources: BackaBuddy | Luca Amerseder
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