Young Leon Coetzer, a 13-year-old para swimmer with Poland Syndrome, is not only a talented athlete but also a compassionate soul. Despite his challenges, he has broken records and now looks forward to taking on the Midmar Mile for the KPCA Group.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (06 December 2025) – A young para swimmer with a heart for his community will take on the Midmar Mile next year in support of the incredible work done by the Keep PMB Clean Action (KPCA) Group.
At just 13 years old, Leon Coetzer, who has Poland Syndrome, has achieved incredible success both as a pupil at Riverwood College, where he is also head boy, and in the swimming pool.
He was recently recognised by South Africa Sport for the Psychically Disabled (SASAPD) for breaking previous U14 para-swimming records in both long and short-course events.
KPCA’s Executive Director Lara Edmonds said the organisation is delighted to have such a driven and determined soul take on the highly anticipated swimming event to raise funds that will help them continue their mission to clean, restore and enhance the city of the elephant, Pietermaritzburg.
KPCA has also accepted former Olympic Swimming Coach Wayne Riddin’s invitation to have a group of swimmers at the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile.
“Leon will be leading our Ellie Swimming Herd to inspire swimmers all over SA to swim the Midmar Mile in February 2025 to save PMB. We call on young and old to join our herd of Ellie swimmers to save PMB. We will be challenging entrants to collect 25 or 50 “Ellie Notes” (R20 note donations) from the public.
This equates to fundraising of R500 or R1000 per swimmer. Imagine how much we could raise for PMB if we had 100 swimmers. Come on PMB, join our Ellie Swim Team,” encouraged Edmonds.
To make a splash for a great cause and join the Ellie Swimming Herd for the Midmar Mile, email info@kpca.co.za.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 