Ten teens are coming together, using sport to powerfully rewrite the narrative that is often told about the youth of Lamontville. With fire and determination, they’re ready to make waves at the highly anticipated Oceans 8 Charity Swim.

Durban, South Africa (29 May 2025) – Sport is paving the way for a promising future for 10 passionate young swimmers in the heart of Durban’s Lamontville township as they prepare to realise their shared dream of competing in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim in June.

The six boys and four girls from LSA have been training, hoping for the opportunity to compete in this open-water swim that will not only test their sporting limits but also enhance their mental and physical well-being.

Thanks to funding from the Balwin Foundation, the 10 competitors from Lamontville Swimming Academy (LSA) will get to dive into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the high-profile, open water swim taking place at Vetch’s Beach, Durban Undersea Club.

The swimming event presents a unique opportunity for each child, with the competition building confidence in young swimmers, as well as exposing them to further sponsorship and upliftment opportunities.

From Township Pool to Ocean Challenge

Life in Lamontville is characterised by various challenges such as crime, drug abuse, and unemployment. However, LSA offers a beacon of hope for the township community by teaching swimming skills and nurturing young talent.

An anonymous donation in 2024 enabled four LSA swimmers to participate in the Oceans 8 Charity Swim for the first time as part of the Youth Development Swimmers Programme. The story of these swimmers captured the hearts of many and led to generous gear donations from Arena South Africa, as well as greater visibility for the Academy’s mission.

“As a coach, it’s been inspiring to work with such a dedicated group in our swimming club. These young swimmers are showing real character, training hard, and aiming high. Some have already competed and done incredibly well. We all share the same vision, to grow in the sport, compete on big stages, and represent our community with pride,” commented Coach Lungisani Zulu.

“We’ve already produced many lifeguards serving across Durban’s beaches, but my dream is to one day see the first swimmer from our community stand on the Olympic podium. With support from Oceans 8, Arena, Balwin Foundation NPC and our local leaders, we’re building something powerful.”

With the 2025 event fast approaching, Oceans 8 Charity Swim event spokesperson, Nicci Carvalho, said she was excited to host swimmers from the LSA again this year and is incredibly grateful for the support toward their Youth Development Swimmers Programme.

“Together, we’re opening up opportunities and creating real change – in and out of the water.”

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.

The post 10 Lamontville Swimmers to Compete in this Year’s Ocean’s 8 Charity Swim! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

The DUC Cup was a triumph for all who participated and a particularly major feat for Shane Jansen van Vuuren who displayed an incredible record-breaking freedive.

Durban, South Africa (08 October 2024) – The Durban Undersea Club (DUC) is thrilled to share the amazing news of Cape Town’s own freediver, Shane Jansen van Vuuren, who has made waves by setting a new national freediving record!

Van Vuuren’s remarkable performance at the inaugural DUC Cup, hosted at the popular Kings Park Pool from 21-24 September, has truly left us in awe of his talent and dedication.

Freediving (the ancient art of diving underwater in one breath), is one of the fastest-growing underwater sports and there is a blossoming community of exceptional South African athletes smashing records locally and abroad.

In the Dynamic No Fins (DNF) discipline, Van Vuuren’s new record covered an impressive distance of 155 meters on one breath, earning him a well-deserved place in the rankings.

According to DUC, the competition also saw an outstanding 34 personal best (PB) records achieved by competitors, highlighting South Africa’s growing talent in the sport.

“We are so proud of Shane’s achievement, and that of all athletes who took part in this inaugural event,” said Alessandro Sacerdote, President of AIDA South Africa.

“For the vast majority, this event served as their introduction to competing in an official event registered under AIDA South Africa, the national division of AIDA International, a globally recognised rule- and record-keeping freediving certification agency.”

Beyond van Vuuren’s achievement, the event highlighted the vibrant and growing South African freediving community, while allowing athletes to test their limits in a safe, competitive environment.

Spanning four days, the DUC Cup brought together freedivers from the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Mozambique to showcase their skills in four pool disciplines: Dynamic Bi-fin (DYNB), Dynamic No Fins (DNF), DYN (Dynamic), and Static (STA).

The overall of the event winner was Shane Jansen van Vuuren. In the women’s category, Wendy Paarman, Arenea Becker, Ashton Deyzel secured first, second and third positions respectively.

In the men’s category Shane Jansen van Vuuren secured first place with Ryan Becker and Leigh Riley coming second and third.

“We want to express our deep gratitude to the DUC for their incredible support in hosting this competition, along with all our volunteers and safety team who worked together to make it possible,” said event organiser and DUC Committee Member, Angie van der Hoogen.

“We look forward to establishing the DUC Cup as an annual event and a key fixture for the local freediving community, furthering the sport’s growing development and recognition in South Africa.”

Sources: Durban Undersea Club

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.

The post Shane Jansen Van Vuuren Sets New National Record at Durban Freediving Comp! appeared first on Good Things Guy.