Cadiz Freedom Swim 2011 in Blouberg, Cape Town

Top international swimmers to race from Robben Island to Blouberg

Some of the world’s greatest open water swimmers are among a record field of about 400 at the extreme, 7.5km Cadiz Freedom Swim from Robben Island to Blouberg on 7th & 8th May 2011 for one of the world's biggest open water prizes.

The Cadiz Freedom Swim is one of the toughest open water swimming event of its kind in the world due to the icy ocean (around 13°C), strong currents and various other conditions.  The event also celebrates South Africa’s Freedom Day while raising funds for Vista Nova School for children with learning disabilities.

Supported by the Cadiz Open Water Swimming Development, there are approximately 50 development swimmers from the Cape Flats among the field.

“This is a dream come true for our swimmers,” said the chairman of the Phoenix Open Water Swimming Development Club. “To rise above the challenges facing disadvantaged communities and to participate in one of the world’s greatest extreme swim races is incredibly empowering and inspirational for our community,” he added.

“The freedom swim also celebrates South Africa’s freedom and the role played by Robben Island in achieving democracy in South Africa. The Island is an integral partner,” says Cadiz CEO, Ram Barkai.

The overall winner of the solo category will walk away with a whopping US$10 000, one of the biggest cash prize in open water swimming in the world. And, the first non-wetsuit relay team across the line will take home US$5 000, a record open water relay prize in South Africa.

The event is rated among the top 100 open water swims in the world and a field of about 140 solos and 260 relay swimmers are expected.

Head out to Blouberg on the West Coast, to witness these swimmers as they brave the icy atlantic waters to swim from Robben Island to Blouberg this May.

To enter please visit www.freedomswim.co.za

Entry prices:

Solo: Adults @ R1600p/p | Students/Under 23’s @ R1000p/p
Relay (two, three or four swimmers):
Open no wetsuits Adults @ R1000p/p | Under 23’s @ R600
Open wetsuits (one or more members of the team has to wear a wetsuit) @ R1000p/p | @ R600 Under 23’s
Corporate relay (wetsuits optional) @ R1200p/p
Schools relay (with wetsuits) @ R600p/p - Participants must be between 12 and 18 years old

Be a part of something great by joining the CapeTownMagazine.com Facebook Fan Page and see what you can win every week with our Weekly Giveaways!

For all annual sport events happening throughout Cape Town and surrounds in 2011, be sure to check out our Events Section.

For updates on happenings in and around Cape Town for kids, for you or for the whole family, be sure to subscribe to our free monthly Editor’s Picks Newsletter and follow us on Twitter.