Masters brave the cold for a good cause

GEORGE NEWS - During August, Fish Eagle Masters Swimming Club members (Fems) participated in the SA Masters Swimming Winter Fitness Challenge.

The challenge is an opportunity to encourage swimmers to shake off the winter slumber and get back into the pool while raising money for a local charity.

"The August winter challenge is exactly what it says: a challenge!" explains Jana Grobler.

"I am 59 years old, slightly unfit at the moment, but swimming for an hour in 19-degree water to raise money for a worthy cause like the NSRI makes every minute worth it. I swam 2 800m and loved every minute of the swim. It is a very special event every year."

Fems organised two events, one at Glenwood House School on Saturday 3 August and another at Planet Fitness on Saturday 17 August.

"It was a day of energy and frozen limbs, with everyone so excited to participate and support each other through the hour of freezing," said participant Catherine Gericke.

"The challenge of seeing who swam the most was a motivator to keep going. Having the older generations participate and support everyone made the day very special."

Mike McDonald, who took part in both events, considers himself blessed to participate in competitive swimming at the age of 78.

"Swimming is the very best exercise anyone can do, no matter your age. It is also a great joy for me to belong to such a great club as Fems, with wonderful and supportive members," he said.

The swimmers at Glenwood House School. From left are Jed van Roon-Gifford, Cheryl Osborne, Rob Hetem, Madeleine Hetem, Shay MacDonald, Jana Grobler, Debbie Shultz, Chantal Spamers, Annemarie Buytendag, Catherine Gericke, Gavin Gericke and Jill Black.