Challenge filled harbour with fun

ROB KNOWLES

PORT Alfred Indoor Swimming Pool was the beneficiary at the first Harbour Challenge which took place at the pool and the Small Boat Harbour on Sunday.

A total of 15 competitors took part in the inaugural fun event and organisers hope for many more in the future. The challenge included a 500m run along the Small Boat Harbour to the pool, followed by a 500m swim and completing with another 500m run, ending once more at the pool.

The Harbour Challenge was organised by Werner Faca, Avril Beyleveld, Billy Futter and Annette Crous who wanted to raise funds for some much-needed renovation work at the pool. The idea of the challenge originated with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who selected the pool as a place for them to train.

"Unfortunately, the SANDF wasn't able to participate this time as they are deployed at another event, but we took their idea to raise money for the pool and created the Harbour Challenge,” said Crous.

"We were originally going to hold the swimming leg in the harbour but, having had the water tested, it seems the recent floods have made the water unsafe. So we opted for plan B, and moved the swimming leg to the pool,” she added.

"This isn't a race, as such,” said Futter. "It is a personal challenge and an event where competitors test their own abilities. As such, every competitor who completes the event is awarded a certificate.”

The indoor pool had a problem over the winter period when one of its two heater pumps broke down. However, with support from local swimmers and other organisations, R60 000 was raised to fix the pump and bring the pool back to full operational.

After the race the competitors, along with the many spectators, helped themselves to a braai and refreshments laid on by the Midway Motorcycle Club, conveniently located adjacent to the pool. The party that followed was festive, and certainly paved the way for bigger events in the future.