Magnetic South | Magnetic South is an event company that focuses on special events that draw attention – anything from an international media event or product launch to a business incentive or a reality TV show.

Half a Million Rand raised for Charity

christine — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:01:15 +0000

During the 2009 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge just under half a Million Rand could be raised for the Sabrina Love Foundation that cares for children with physical disabilities in the Plett region.

Entry Fees R 270 590.00 Donations R 129 570.00 Auction R 30 000.00 Sabrina Merchandise R 33 000.00 David Newton Comedy R 20 000.00 Total funds raised: R 483 160.00

What more can we say – somehow the toughest year brought out the best in many. Celebs Natalie Du Toit, Chad Ho, Bruce Fordyce, Derek Watts, Michelle Eray, and Kevin Evans put their special touch on the two days and created an unforgettable vibe and energy.
Photos and Results have been uploaded onto our webpage: Check www.magneticsouth.net

On behalf of all of us – THANK YOU for supporting this most worthwhile cause. Magnetic South looks forward to continuing “raising the bar” at the 2010 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge brought to you by Stonehage and Discovery.

Your Magnetic South Team
www.magneticsouth.net

You have heard of Facebook: it is an easy to use social utility that connects people with friends and others who have common interests. Join the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge Facebook Group. You can start subjects, ask questions, browse through the photo gallery on our Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge facebook page or begin a discussion. Click here now to open an account and become a fan.

SABRINA LOVE OCEAN CHALLENGE HUGE SUCCESS AS ENTRIES NEARLY DOUBLE

christine — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:14:26 +0000

THE sixth annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge was lauded a great success as top international sport stars and holidaymakers competed in the multidisciplinary competition in Plettenberg Bay on 27 and 28 December 2009.

Sponsored by Stonehage international family wealth advisers and Discovery, the Challenge drew some 1700 participants to compete in swim, paddle, mountain bike, run and fun walk events.

Event director Mark Collins of Magnetic South said overall figures had increased from 900 entrants last year. ”We believe this event will continue to grow, not only because of its great atmosphere and challenging events but also because it raises much needed funds for a touching cause.”

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is the main fundraising activity for the Sabrina Love Foundation. Established in 2003 by Tony and Suzy Lubner in memory of their daughter Sabrina, who died at age six from complications of a rare bone disorder, the Foundation supports children and families living with physical disabilities in the Bitou region.

Events of the first day took place at popular Central Beach.

The 6km Ocean Swim from Robberg Corner to Central Beach once again lived up to its iconic status as Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit and Olympic long distance swimmer Chad Ho went head-to-head in perfect conditions. Ho beat Du Toit by 43 seconds in a time of 58:09 with Du Toit coming second overall and first in the women’s division in a time of 58:52. Du Toit addressed competitors ahead of the Swim, encouraging them to “have fun and remember the Sabrina Love message of hope.”

Olympic paddler and Plettenberg Bay local Michelle Eray won the women’s title in the 15km Surf Ski event in a time of 01:16:54. Steph le Roux won the men’s title in 01:12:05.

Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce hosted the 10km Run, which was won by Marius Schechter (42:01) and Michelle Williams (46:38). Commenting on the race afterwards Fordyce said organisers Magnetic South had designed a well-balanced course with stretches of tar road, cross country, beach and boardwalks. “The overall event was well-planned and fun,” said Fordyce.

The beach walk was once again the atmospheric climax to the first day event as hundreds of walkers, donning pink T-shirts and hats, welcomed the swimmers to the beach.

The highlight of the second day was seeing Plettenberg Bay local and South African mountain bike champion Kevin Evans win the first 25km Mountain Bike Race in 56:55, followed a second later by MTN Energade team mate Jay Thomson. Christine Woods won the women’s division in 01:15:01 with Dawn Herbit in second place (01:18:19). The inland route through the Keurbooms forestry plantations drew some 350 entrants which had exceeded expectations for an inaugural event.

Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit had to watch from the sidelines as her competitor in Sunday’s 6km Ocean Swim, Olympic long distance swimmer Chad Ho, took the honours in the One Mile Swim in the Keurbooms Lagoon in a time of 19:53. All Africa Games medalist Dominique Dryding came in second overall and first in the women’s swim with a time of 20:34. Du Toit was unable to participate following an infection from a spider bite. She did however attend the day’s fun activities and signed autographs.

The Sabrina Kids of Steel duathlon – a 1km run and 100m swim challenge for children under ten – was an un-timed fun event which drew 110 participants.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT STARS AT SABRINA LOVE OCEAN CHALLENGE

christine — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:19:05 +0000

Top international sport stars and celebrities will be participating in the sixth annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge at Plettenberg Bay on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 December 2009.Sponsored by Stonehage international family wealth advisers and Discovery, the event offers fun-filled professional sports and lifestyle challenges for young and old. Event director Mark Collins of Magnetic South said well-known sports men and women were participating in each of the seven events taking place over two days. “Paralympic gold medallist Natalie du Toit and Olympic long distance swimmer Chad Ho will again go head-to-head in the iconic 6km Ocean Swim from Robberg Corner to Central Beach – an event in which Chad had narrowly beaten Natalie last year. Carte Blanche television presenter Derek Watts will be a safety paddler alongside competitors in the swim. The 15km Surf Ski event will feature Olympic paddler Michelle Eray and adventure racer and ‘Dusi King’ Martin Dreyer, while Comrades Marathon legend Bruce Fordyce will host the 10km Run and South African mountain bike champion Kevin Evans will lead the way in the new 25km Mountain Bike Race.” Inspirational speakers Natalie du Toit and Bruce Fordyce will address participants ahead of the events, while Derek Watts will also be involved during the prize giving. Collins said that although the challenges continued to attract promising athletes in all disciplines, events were as much geared towards families as professionals. “In addition to the ever-popular Beach Walk on Central Beach, we have this year introduced a One Mile Lagoon Swim and the Sabrina Kids of Steel duathlon at the Cape Nature property on the Keurbooms Lagoon, the latter a 1km run and 100m swim challenge aimed primarily at children aged six to ten. “The extended two-day format also allows multi-disciplinary athletes to participate in more than one event, which was not possible in the past. Some may even attempt the 10km run, the mile swim and the 25km mountain bike race – the Sabrina Triple. “The Challenge also has a very special atmosphere, which is at least partly due to the pink-themed T-shirts, swim caps and other paraphernalia worn by participants. It is a wonderful gathering of laughter, sharing and good, clean fun,” said Collins.

More than 1000 competitors are expected to participate in the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge, which is the main fundraising activity for the Sabrina Love Foundation. Established in 2003 by Tony and Suzy Lubner in memory of their daughter Sabrina, who died at age six from complications of a rare bone disorder, the Foundation now supports children and families living with physical disabilities in the Bitou region.

Feast of Fun in Plett

christine — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:52:15 +0000

Plett is gearing itself up to offer all its visitors and locals something to feast themselves on over this December and top of the list is the newly expanded Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge happening on the 27 & 28 December 2009.

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge has something to offer every participant; the chance to take part in 7 different sporting codes that are designed for all levels of fitness and competitiveness.

With 100% of your entry fee being donated directly into the Sabrina Love Foundation – there is no other event on our coast that offers you so much ! All of this is made possible by the very generous event sponsors Stonehage and Discovery.

What’s It All About ?

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is the main fundraiser for the Sabrina Love Foundation. Die Sterreweg day care centre in New Horizons, Plett, forms part of the foundation and caters for children mainly from disadvantaged backgrounds who need specialized individual attention and stimulation, plus the appropriate therapy depending on the level of their disability. The goal for 2010 as per Die Sterreweg manager Lindelwa Mnweba is to be able to afford an increase in the frequency in bringing in an occuptional therapist from the current 3 hours every fortnight…. so its up to you and I to make this a reality !

When Does It Happen ?

First Day Activities on 27 December 2009 at Central Beach include a 6 km Ocean Swim, a 10 Km Run, a 15 Km Surf Ski Paddle and a Family Beach Walk

Second Day Activities on 28 December 2009 at Cape Nature Keurbooms include 1 Mile River Swim, 25 Km Mountain Bike Ride and for all those aged 6 to 10 years old – The Kids Of Steel Swim & Run Duathlon.

Registration for all events on Saturday 26 between 2pm and 6pm at Beacon Isle Hotel.

Registration for December 28 Events take place on December 27 between 2pm and 6pm at Beacon Isle Hotel

Please Note: No registration in the morning of the Events!

How Can I Take Part ?

Easy -
Enter online at www.magneticsouth.net and secure your Goodie Bag plus you get you name inserted twice into the lucky draw and stand twice the chance to win one of the generous Lucky Draw prizes.

In partnership with our online event entries provider Entrytickets.net we are proud to be using the innovative Webcash.co.za payment gateway, which allows for EFT payments made through internet banking to be cleared in real-time. This allows for a very safe and cost effective alternative to using online credit card transactions for processing payments.

We encourage any online merchants out there to give them a try – you’ll save big time on payment processing fees!

Enter at The Sabrina Love trailer which will be parked at Central Beach, Plett from 17 December to 26 December 2009 where you can fill in an entry on your way to the beach.

Will I get a Goodie bag?

Those who enter the event online will be guaranteed a goodie bag. Having predicted entries to rise by close to double this year, we have doubled the number of goodie bags to be given away. However, we cannot guarantee those who enter late or the day before the event a goodie bag.

Who are the Sponsors ?

Stonehage
The Stonehage Group provides international families with family office, wealth management and fiduciary services. Stonehage is an independent multi-family office, owned by its management and staff with ten offices around the world.

The Stonehage Charitable Trust was established by the Stonehage Group, in recognition of a moral and social responsibility to reinvest resources into the communities they serve. The Stonehage Charitable Trust’s mission is to create a tangible legacy, supporting innovative projects in the fields of education and healthcare, with emphasis on children and the aged in the regions where the Group is active. In addition, projects are considered which promote excellence in the arts, culture and sports, which reflect the Stonehage Group values.

Stonehage is proud to support the Sabrina Love Foundation through the sponsorship of the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge for the third consecutive year and in the process assist children with special needs – a key focus for the Stonehage Chartitable Trust.

Discovery
Discovery is a leading financial services organisation that provides consumers with healthcare cover, life assurance, investment products, financial services and wellness products. Its leading science-based wellness programme, Vitality, aims to help people lead healthier lives and is today the largest wellness programme in the world with more than 1.4 million members. Through its sponsorships, Discovery wants to communicate the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle to more South Africans. Sport, and the powerful health message it conveys, epitomises the company’s core purpose of making people healthier and protecting and enhancing their lives and provides the perfect opportunity to encourage people to make positive changes in their lives and engage in their health.
Discovery is excited to be part of the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge that not only gets people active, but also supports the Sabrina Love Foundation and its work with disabled children in the Plettenberg Bay community.

Whose Is Going To Be There ? Where else can you mix it up with well known and highly respected South African celebs?

Natalie Du Toit & Chad Ho both represented SA at the Bejing Olympics and are our undisputed top marathon swimmers.
Derek Watts best known as a TV presenter of MNET’s Carte Blanche production.
Bruce Fordyce who, with 10 Comrades Marathon victories, is a legend.
Martin Dreyer the Duzi King and international multisport legend with his ongoing achievements.
Michelle Eray the worlds current champion lady Surfski Paddler and a Plett local – what a bonus.
Kevin Evans another Plett local who has entered and won almost every MTB event he has participated in.

Finally ?

Looking for a great place to be on New Years eve – get yourself to the Parlotones New Years eve Concert happening at the Plett Primary School. Part proceeds from the bar are also being donated to The Sabrina Love Foundation. Tickets available from Computicket.

Your Magnetic South Team

Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge News 2009

christine — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:34:54 +0000

It is always hard to believe just where the year goes… before you know it’s Christmas and all its associated festivities are now just around the corner. For the team here at Magnetic South we know that once we put our Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge thinking caps on, the countdown to year end is in its final stretch.

Like every year – the most exciting event to take place over the Festive Season in the Sport & Nature Capital of Africa Plettenberg Bay is without question the newly expanded two day charity event – Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge brought to you by Stonehage and Discovery.

The new format allows for an additional day in which the Mountain Bikers have a chance to get into the vibe, the swimmers can join a 1 mile swim “The Sabrina Mile” in the sheltered Keurbooms River and 6-10 year olds, the Sabrina Kids Of Steel Duathlon (Swim and Run). This brings the total number of events on offer at this year’s challenge to 7 with something on offer for everyone of all levels of fitness. So bring all your buddies and family along as there is everything from an ocean swim, run, paddle, walk, mountain bike ride, river swim or kiddies duathlon to tickle your fancy - there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy, irrespective of how fit or competitive you may be!

You are invited to join well loved South African celbrities Natalie du Toit, Chad Ho, Michelle Eray, Martin Dreyer, Bruce Fordyce, Kevin Evans & Derek Watts and support with your entry the Sabrina Love Foundation that cares for children with physical disabilities.

Enter now online and stand twice the chance to win great Lucky Draw Prizes (online entries will be entered twice in the lucky draws!)

Other developments include:

Sabrina Trailer - having been very successfully launched for the 2008 event, the Sabrina Ocean Challenge Trailer will be back in operation on Central Beach from Thursday 17 to Saturday 26 December where you will be able to enter and at the same time, purchase stunning Sabrina Love branded merchandise. A reminder that every rand spent on your entry fee plus any item of event merchandise purchased goes directly into the Sabrina Love Foundation.

Registration - Please note: NO registration in the morning of the event!
With the event having grown so rapidly in the last couple of years, it has reached the point where registration will now take place on the 26 December 2009 between 14h00 and 18h00 at the Beacon Island Hotel for all the events happening over both the 27 & 28 December 2009. Registration will re open on the 27 December 2009 at 14h00 and finish at 18h00 for those wanting to participate in the extra day of activities on offer on the 28 December 2009.

Plettenberg Bay Field Band – catch them on Central Beach adding a special carnival atmosphere to the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge. The development of this field band from absolutely nothing 6 months ago to a vibrant, motivated and focussed outfit that took a Silver Medal in the National Championships in Gauteng just weeks back …is a success story that you want to be a part of !

Activities 27 December 2009 - Central Beach

07h00 = 10 KM Sabrina Run
07h30 = 15 KM Sabrina Surf Ski
09h00 = 6 KM Sabrina Ocean Swim
09h00 = 5 KM Sabrina Beach Walk
11h30 = Prize Giving All Events

Activities 28 December 2009 – Keurbooms River – Cape Nature

08h00 = Sabrina Mile Swim
09h30 = 25 KM Sabrina MTB
11h30 = Sabrina Kids Of Steel Duathlon (swim&run)
12h30 = Prize Giving All Events

Your Magnetic South Team

Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge 2008

martin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:06:47 +0000

Media Release: Immediate. 28 December 2008 – RESULTS Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge

Heavy Seas – But Sabrina Goes Ahead

Everyone who was there agrees: the 2008 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge was a winner – despite powerful winds and huge seas which rocked Plettenberg Bay in the days preceding the traditional December 28th running of the event.

“Safety considerations forced us to call off the open ocean swim (both the 6 km adult event and the 600 metre kids event) at the last minute, but the event managers, Magnetic South, pulled the rabbit out of the hat and set new courses on the Keurbooms Lagoon so that, in the end, the day went off without a hitch,” said the Sabrina Love Foundation’s Tony Lubner.

“What amazed us, though, was the number of entries that poured in: I haven’t seen the final figures yet, but I think it’s well over a thousand – which is double what we had last year.”

Mr Lubner said that, as a result of generous sponsorship from the international family wealth advisers, Stonehage, all entry fees and all income from the sale of Sabrina gifts and memorabilia went directly to the Foundation, which exists to help children – and the families of children – living with disabilities in Plettenberg Bay.

“This is our main fundraiser for the year and the increase in entries will mean a huge injection of capital,” he said, adding that what impressed him most was the number of walkers who took part this year (entrants in the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge can choose between the swim itself, an open ocean paddle, a 10 km road-and-beach run or a non-competitive 3 km walk).

“This is what the Sabrina is all about – families doing things together and for the good of the community,” he said.

At least three of South Africa’s Olympians took part this year – and all achieved first-place finishes. Swimmers Chad Ho and Natalie du Toit won the men’s and ladies’ swims (in 53:45 and 54:35 respectively), while kayaker Michelle Eray won the ladies paddle in 1:15:31.

Ms. du Toit’s time put her in second place overall.

“I think definitely being in the Lagoon was a different swim,” she said. “I prefer it in the sea, but hopefully next year we’ll have better weather.”

She thanked the sponsors and the Lubner family and said that she was particularly impressed with the organisation of the event – which saw the beaches of Plettenberg Bay bathed in pink (the Sabrina Foundation’s corporate colours are pink and black). And, in another display of the spirit of the Sabrina, she donated her prize (seven nights at the V&A Waterfront courtesy of Southern Suns with air tickets by Kulula.com) to the Foundation. It was immediately sold by auction for R8,000.00.

The run – which includes 2 km along the beach (a section which Comrades King, Bruce Fordyce described as “incredibly difficult”) – was won by Lieuwe Boonstra in 36:26. Alae Brand was the first woman home in 41:39. Graham Bird won the men’s paddle in 1:15:13, while locals Neil Stephenson and Steph Le Roux won the men’s double in 1:09:17..

Full results on the organiser’s web site – www.magneticsouth.net; and there’s more about the Sabrina Love Foundation at www.sabrinalove.co.za

ENDS 530 Words

www.magneticsouth.net
“Out Of The Box” thinking and articulate organisational skills for the local and international events market.
Christine Collins – Operations Manager
Tel: 044 382 6496 | Cell: 083-5589 579
E-mail: info@magneticsouth.net

Media Release by BarefootClients – MARTIN HATCHUEL Barefoot Writer
martin@barefootclients.co.za Cell +27(0)84 951 0574 | Telephone +27(0)44 384 1810
Want The Barefoot Benefit? – Visit
PROUDLY BAREFOOT – FULLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Corporate Challenge Comes to the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge

christine — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:17:40 +0000

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is all about people helping people – so the organisers have decided to include the business community on the Garden Route by making it possible for them to get involved in a most unique company function. Not only would it benefit their staff but also help with raising funds for the Sabrina Love Foundation that assists kids with disabilities in the Plett and Bitou Regions.

“It’s simple: enter as many of your staff as possible – in any or all of the disciplines (running, paddling, walking or swimming) – and you could win breakfast and a game walk or game drive at Plettenberg Bay’s Buffalo Hills Game Reserve and Lodges for all the members of your team – and for their spouses,” said event director Mark Collins of event managers Magnetic South Productions.

Plettenberg Bay’s annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge has become a traditional and much-loved fixture on the holiday playground’s summer calendar – one in which visitors and the people of the town show their support for people living with disabilities.

This year Olympians Natalie du Toit and Michelle Eray (who paddled in South Africa’s K4 and K2 team at this year’s Beijing Olympics) will join the hundreds of moms, pops, kids and sportspeople who’ll swim, paddle, run or walk to show their support for the less fortunate.

“But it’s important to understand that the reason the Sabrina has so many disciplines is so that almost anyone can take part,” said Mr Collins.

“But, of course, there are challenges for the super fit, too.

“The walk is just that – a walk along the beach (it’s not timed and there’s no pressure to win) and there are two swims (one for athletes who’re able to make the 6 km and one, over a course of just 600 meters, for the kids).

“And then we have the 10 km run and a 15 km ocean paddle, and those will only appeal to some.

“Support for one another is the most important thing in any community, and of course this whole day is all about just that – support,” said Mr Collins, “so it’s also become a tradition for South African celebrities to join in.

“This year Comrades King Bruce Fordyce will be running with us and television’s Derek Watts will be out on the Bay paddling one of the support boats.

“And having people like Natalie and Michelle there, as well as the adventure racer Martin Dreyer (the current Land Rover G4 Challenge world champion) will create a sense of excitement on the day, too.

Businesses wanting to compete for the Sabrina Love Corporate Challenge can download their Corporate Challenge Entry form from our webpage, fill it out and either email or fax it to Magnetic South. (Email: info@magneticsouth.net or Fax: 08665-17409)

As long as each member of staff is entered in at least one of the four disciplines, your company name will go forward to the competition.

On line entries and entries bought at the mobile race headquarters (which will be open on Central Beach from the 18th of December) – cost R150.00 for adults and R100.00 for children between the ages of 1 and 11 years. Late entries will be accepted on the beach only on the 27th and 28th of December at a cost of R180.00 for adults and R130.00 for children.

All races – except the Fun Beach Walk – will be individually timed.

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is staged with the support of the international family wealth advisers, Stonehage – which makes it possible for the organisers to donate 100% of all entry fees to the Sabrina Love Foundation.

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge takes place in Plettenberg Bay on 28 December 2008. On line entries are open at www.sabrinaloveoceanchallenge.co.za or www.magneticsouth.net. For more information about Buffalo Hills, go to www.buffalohills.co.za

ENDS 500 Words

www.magneticsouth.net
“Out Of The Box” thinking and articulate organisational skills
for the local and international events market.
Christine Collins – Operations Manager
Tel: 044 382 6496 | Cell: 083-5589 579
E-mail: info@magneticsouth.net

Media Release by BarefootClients
MARTIN HATCHUEL Barefoot Writer
martin@barefootclients.co.za
Cell +27(0)84 951 0574 | Telephone +27(0)44 384 1810
Want The Barefoot Benefit? – Visit www.barefootclients.co.za
PROUDLY BAREFOOT – FULLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Olympians to Grace Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge

christine — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:29:01 +0000

At least two of South Africa’s Olympian athletes – swimmer Natalie du Toit and canoeist Michelle Eray – are expected to compete in this year’s Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge.

“Natalie Du Toit set the Sabrina Love’s open water swim alive last year in a record-breaking 55:13,” said Mark Collins of event organisers Magnetic South. “And what was amazing about this was the fact that she came in almost 6 minutes faster than the first man home – Bryan Difford, who did it in 59:21.

“But there’s no dishonour in coming second to Natalie: you have to be one of the best to make it to the Olympics as she did this year.”

‘The Sabrina,’ as it’s affectionately known, takes place by tradition on the 28^th of December every year – and it’s become a highlight of Plettenberg Bay’s summer holiday season.

The event is the main fund-raiser for the Sabrina Love Foundation (founded in memory of Sabrina Lubner), which raises funds for and provides assistance to people living with disabilities in Plettenberg Bay.

“This race is all about supporting one another,” said Mr. Collins, “and one of the great traditions of the event is the beach walk.

“Not everyone can do the 6 km open water swim – but almost anyone can do the 3 km walk in support of the swimmers.

“This creates an incredible vibe and a real sense of community on the day,” he said.

In keeping with the event’s central idea (that anyone should be able to do anything), the Sabrina has become more than just a swim, and participants can now choose to swim or walk – or to enjoy a 10 km run or a 20 km ocean paddle.

For children, there’ll also be a 600 metre swim on an out-and-back course off Central Beach.

“Whatever you choose to do on the day, you’ll be helping the cause because 100% of your entry fee will go directly to the Foundation – a situation made possible through the generous sponsorship of the international family wealth advisers, Stonehage,” said Mr. Collins.

On-line/Early entries cost R150.00 for adults (12 years and older) and R100.00 for children (an event registration will be set up at Central Beach 10 days leading up to the event), while late entries on December 27^th and 28^th – will cost R180.00 for adults and R130.00 for children.

Mr. Collins said that at least three other well-known South Africans had indicated they’d be taking part this year. “Carte Blanche’s Derek Watts, Comrades Marathon king Bruce Fordyce and Martin Dreyer, the winner of the Land Rover G4 Challenge and the undisputed ruler of Kwazulu-Natal’s Duzi Canoe Marathon, are all huge fans of the Sabrina.

“It’s become something of a cult event – and it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss,” he said.

The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge takes place in Plettenberg Bay on 28 December 2008. Online entries are open from 1^st of October on www.magneticsouth.net.

Media Release by BarefootClients

MARTIN HATCHUEL Barefoot Writer

martin@barefootclients.co.za

Cell +27(0)84 951 0574 | Telephone +27(0)44 384 1810

Want The Barefoot Benefit? – Visit www.barefootclients.co.za

PROUDLY BAREFOOT – FULLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Natalie du Toit beats the Men in 6 km Open Water Swim

admin — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:59:12 +0000

South African swimming sensation Natalie du Toit – considered the country’s best open water swimmer – has once again proved her talent by winning the 2007 Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge.

The race – which is held in Plettenberg Bay on the 28 th of December every year – took place in ideal conditions with gentle tailwinds and a low- to moderate swell.

“Before the start, Natalie said that she wanted to beat last year’s winning time of one hour and five minutes – and she sure did that,” said race director Mark Collins of event organisers Magnetic South. “In fact she clocked 55:13 to beat the first man home and last year’s winner – Bryan Difford – who finished in 59:21.

“It was an absolutely blistering performance from an enormously inspiring athlete.”

Ms. du Toit lost the lower part of her leg in a scooter accident less than two years before qualifying for the finals of the 800 meter freestyle event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. She took part in this year’s Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge – swimming without the aid of a prosthesis – as a gesture of support for the Sabrina Love Foundation, which raises funds to help children living with disabilities in Plettenberg Bay.

“Although it’s only five years old, the Sabrina is an event that’s already rich with tradition,” said Mr. Collins. “One of those traditions is the beach walk which is organised to provide moral support for the swimmers – and while 123 competitors took part in the swim, 152 people walked along Robberg Beach cheering them on.”

Other races on the day included a 10 km beach run (which was won by Wendell Mac Callum in 35:04 and Monica Nel in 46:48) and a 15 km paddle, which went to Graham Bird in 1:19:10 and, in the doubles, to Andrew Beveridge and Alexis Lyon – also in 1:19:10 . The Nippers paddled a 6 km course on their surf-lifesaver’s Malibus (Emma Dreyer 54:23; Richie Bryant 54:45) and the children’s 600m swim was won by Nicole Strydom in 5:25 and Jason Collins in 6:23.

“Above all, the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is about people helping people,” said Mr. Collins, “and besides Natalie, the races were supported by celebrities such as Derek Watts of Carte Blanche, Comrades King Bruce Fordyce and Duzi King and international G4 Challenge Champion, Martin Dreyer.

“In total 463 people participated this year and all entry fees went directly to the Sabrina Love Foundation – a situation made possible by a generous sponsorship from international family wealth advisers, Stonehage.”

Full results at www.magneticsouth.net ; more information about the Sabrina Love Foundation at www.sabrinalove.co.za