More than 40 charities will benefit from a unique collaborative charity event held in the waters of Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront over the weekend.
Cape Town, South Africa – The Great Optimist Race is a highlight of the Cape Town International Boat Show, which took place from 18-20 October.
The race saw celebrities, captains of industry and medical survivors – many of whom are entirely new to sailing – racing to raise funds for various NGOs and charities.
Springbok rugby player Scarra Ntubeni set sail for the Newborns Trust, for which he is an ambassador. Singer Craig Lucas chose the Justice Desk, while fellow artist Majozi sailed in the Paedspal boat. Double lung transplant survivor Tanya Bothma raised funds for organ donation, and amputee Caleb Swanepoel sailed for the Little Optimist Trust.
For Tanya Bothma, the event provided an opportunity for her to raise funds for the Groote Schuur Lung Transplant Unit and created awareness about organ and tissue donation.
“I’m very nervous but I keep telling myself that I’m doing this for an amazing cause. I just need to keep that goal in mind!” – says Tanya
Pictured above: Double lung recipient Tanya Bothma, took part in the Great Optimist Race. Picture credit: The Little Optimist Trust
And not-so-tiny rugby star Scarra Ntubeni squeezed himself into a very tiny boat to raise funds for the Newborns Trust, based at Groote Schuur Hospital.
“At the Newborns Trust we believe that nothing is impossible,” said the Trust’s Amy Mac Iver.
“We see the tiniest babies fighting against all odds to survive. Scarra is the perfect example of that message — a 104kg rugby player sailing a children’s Optimist may seem impossible but he’s out to show it can be done.”
The Great Optimist Race, which is the brainchild of charity campaigner Greg Bertish, aimed to raise R200,000 for the various charities involved, and they will also provide sailing therapy sessions for children from Reach for a Dream, 9 Miles Project and Lawhill Maritime Society during the boat show.
To raise funds, the organisation partnered with donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, for anyone wanting to support their favourite celebrity or charity at the event. Since the launch of the campaign, more than R214,437.42 has been raised with contributions from over 300 donors.
“Not only will we be giving skills and inspiration to marginalised children, we’ll also be teaching our celebrities and survivors how to sail these tiny little boats, all in the name of charity,” says Bertish.
The Cape Town International Boat Show ran from 18-20 October this year. The Great Optimist Race was also supported by The Little Optimist’s key sponsors – Two Oceans Marine, Italtile and Ullman Sails.
Sources: BackaBuddy Supplied | Great Optimist Sailing Race
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