Pretoria News Roode 1000 Swim : Media Release

"Although the king of the Pretoria News Roode 1000 open water swim, four time winner and Olympian Chad Ho, will be in Brazil come next Sunday, the organisers of the event are expecting a classy field and a large turnout on the day. Ho, who has made big strides
( and waves!) as South Africa’s top international open water swimmer, will be trying to better his world ranking at the Brazilian World Cup event, but previous winner, Tyron Venter , as well as a host of top finishers in previous Roodes, will gun for the men’s title.

In the main ladies event a big tussle for the title is expected , with last year’s winner Karlien van Heerden, already entered for the race. She will be chased hard by the likes of a previous winner , Karlien de Wet and up and coming stars like Michelle Pistorius. In the section for the 31 and over men, stalwards of the Roode like Phillip Chappel and veteran, Terry Downes, will again be waiting for the starter’s gun while in the women’s 31 and over event, Marieke Bouwer, who has never missed the Roode and won most times, looks like a sure winner again this year. He might not win the “ ou toppies” event, but star of the show will again be Makopane based Ted Beukes , who will turn 80 in June this year and is so much part of the Roode tradition of a fun event for each and all.

For the first time in many years there are no other open water events being held on 31 January 2010 in the Gauteng or Mphumalanga area and because the date is so close to the Midmar event, swimmers are expected to use the opportunity to compete in a dam swim before the big Kwazulu-Natal event. Since the Roode swim moved to the Baja Dam resort at Bronkhorstspruit Dam four years ago, the swim has grown in popularity especially because of the good quality of the water.

Event manager, Neil Mole, says that his committee is hoping for a large turnout and that a substantial part of the proceeds of the event will again be used for charity and swimming development. Last year a generous contribution was made towards the South African Guide Dogs Association. Special arrangements in terms of lifesaving are also made at the event for a large group of handicapped swimmers who are supporting the Roode year after year. Able bodied swimmers are also encouraged to “adopt” a handicapped swimmer on the day and to escort them during their swim.

Pre-entries for the swim will still be accepted till 28 January 2010 and can be done by getting the entry form on the website ( www.roode1000swim.com) or by entering online through SA Active ( www.sa-active.com) and entry forms are also available at the swim Shop at Hillcrest Pool and Run-a-Way Sport in the Glen Fair Centre in Lynnwood Manor. Entry queries can be directed to Willem Theron ( 0823764216) or Daniela du Preez ( 0832608542) Pre-entries cost R90 but swimmers can also late-enter on the day for R120.


Issued by the Roode Committee : 21 January 2010