Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, 22 Dec 2014
Now into its eleventh year this iconic charity based event has exploded onto the Garden Route sports calendar with such popularity it has become an integral part of the Plett festive season tradition, and you just have to do it.
With close to 4000 participants taking part last year in nine different activities this event has not only become a major fundraiser for a most worthy cause but it has become a regular meeting place for like-minded folk who want to give back over the Christmas Festive season.
The 11th annual Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is all set to paint Plett Sabrina pink this festive season and of course could not happen without the support of generous sponsors Stonehage, international family wealth advisers and Discovery.
The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is the main fundraising activity for the Sabrina Love foundation which was established in 2003 by Tony and Suzy Lubner in memory of their daughter Sabrina, who died at age of six due to the complications of a rare bone disorder. Today the Sabrina Love Foundation supports children with special needs in the Plettenberg Bay area. Last year’s event managed to raise over R 1.1 million for the foundation and the goal for the 11th anniversary is to raise even more funds for children in need.
Eddy Oblowitz, Executive Chairman of Stonehage South Africa explains their involvement: “Our corporate social responsibility initiatives reflect our philanthropic mission to create a tangible legacy within the communities we serve. In this regard the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge, which Stonehage has supported annually for the past 8 years,provides an ideal opportunity for donors and participants to gather around themes of common interest, share experience and co-invest in a targeted goal towards creating a tangible legacy.”
Johan van Zyl, Chief Executive Officer of Stonehage South Africa, says partnering with clients, colleagues, friends and family to help those in need and assist others to realise their full potential is an important part of the Group’s philosophy and culture. “Strong leadership, sound governance, commitment and sustainability are essential ingredients in the projects we support. The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is a wonderful example of this and we are proud to be part of this event which has grown year-on-year to support physically disabled children in the Bitou community.”
Discovery has been involved with the event since 2008. Barry Swartzberg, Discovery Group Executive Director said, “The Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge is one of our favourite events to be involved in. At Discovery, we are quite passionate about what makes a healthy and actively lifestyle; and events such as these that bring together families, friends and colleagues, certainly help us spread the message that being active is good for you.”
Previous years have welcomed top international sport stars, holidaymakers and local athletes in the multidisciplinary competition and we are sure to see many more people this year competing at the events to be held at Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay and Kurland, The Crags. Since its inception the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge has enjoyed a phenomenal increase in support each year with last year boasting 3900 participants, a record turnout!
There is something for everyone at the Sabrina Love Ocean challenge, from the ultra-fit to those looking for a gentle walk along the beach.
The first day’s events at Central Beach has an early start with a 10km urban and beach run at 6:30am, 15km paddle at 7:30am, 6km ocean swim and fun walk at 8:30am.
The second day’s events is hosted by the Kurland Polo Estate, with its manicured grounds will once again be draped in Sabrina pink, which beautifully contrasts the lush backdrop of the Tsitsikamma mountain range. The day kicks off at 7:00am with 10km trail run and staged trail duo (25km mountain bike and 10km trail run), 6km trail run at 7:30am, 25km mountain bike ride at 8:30am, 900m lake swim at 10:30am and Sabrina Kids of Steel at 11:30am.
You will also get to meet celebrities including Bruce Fordyce, Chad Ho, Ryan Sandes, Vanessa Haywood, Arnold Geerdts and Chantal Nienaber to mention but a few.
Some of the disciplines have limited entry space available;it is advisable to enter early to avoid disappointment. Registration can be done from 18th December at the Sabrina trailer situated at Robberg 5 and the Sabrina Love Shop as well as at Piesang Valley Community Hall on 28 December from 10am to 6pm.
Come and enjoy a day out with your whole family with food and entertainment to fill the day. For further information visit www.sabrinalove.co.za
