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

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PROUDLY BAREFOOT – FULLY SOUTH AFRICAN