3 May 2019

Making waves over Two Oceans

2019 is well under way and the year wouldn’t be the same without the highly acclaimed Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. This year the Two Oceans Marathon celebrated its 50th year, cementing its place as a national institution. It is one of the world’s most beautiful Marathons that attracts thousands of runners from around the globe.

Why is a surf organisation like Waves for Change telling you about a Marathon? Simple, at the heart of it all is a social collective that comes to the party with one purpose – to pay it forward and advance social upliftment. In 2012 the marathon launched its first fundraising initiative that helps to provide much needed funding for charities that match the Two Oceans four Social Impact pillars:

Education
Environment
Health
Athletics Development

This year, Waves for Change was one of the official beneficiaries and we are so proud that 20 brave runners from all walks of life, took to the roads of Cape Town, and ran to raise funds for #WavesforChange.

Their fundraising efforts will be used to support #Surftherapy in the Hout Bay community. W4C provides a child-friendly mental health service to vulnerable and differently abled young people living in unstable communities. Through connections to safe spaces, caring mentors, and a 12-month weekly Surf Therapy curriculum, W4C gives children skills to cope with stress, regulate behaviour, build healing relationships, and make positive life choices.

Our runners all run for different reasons, Frik runs “for Freedom, fresh air and a clear mind” while, Michael runs because he finds it “incredibly challenging, and for that reason, an opportunity to grow!”. Chante runs because “ Running makes me feel empowered and resilient.” and Monica runs because “I now travel quite frequently and it is a great way to explore new cities and meet new people.” Whatever their individual motives, sport has a way of connecting people and it has connected them to our cause.

Thanks to all who have supported Waves for Change and our runners, we raised over R20 000 which will be used to support Waves for Change #surftherapy program in Hout Bay. Thank you to all our fundraisers for helping us make waves in #Surftherapy.