Curro commits R500k to get SA swimmers to Beijing World Aquatics Championships

Curro, South Africa’s largest network of independent, private schools, has pledged half a million to help 21 swimmers – including Olympian Chad le Clos – travel to the World Aquatics Championships in Beijing.

This comes after the sporting federation, Swimming South Africa (SSA), issued a notice calling for each swimmer to contribute R55,000 each towards their trip – or risk losing their places on the team. It also comes in the wake of gold medallist Tatjana Smith announcing her decision to switch sporting nationalities to the Netherlands, citing her grievances with SSA.

The sporting tournament takes place between 1 and 6 November.

CURRO PLEDGES R500K TO GET SWIMMERS TO BEIJING WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

In a statement, Curro announced it would commit R500 000 to send the 21 South African national swimmers to the World Aquatics Championships in Beijing next month.

Additionally, the independent schools network would host a national training camp in 2027 for the South African team and Swimming South Africa (SSA) to work with their top swimmers at Curro clinics, assisting school coaches and learners. 

Curro CEO Cobus Loubser said: “We are patriotic South Africans, and we feel compelled to assist the team.

“This sponsorship helps dreams come true for swimmers who have worked their whole lives for this opportunity. It speaks to what Curro does: we create opportunities and help prepare learners for a hopeful future. Next year should be an exciting year for Curro’s thousands of young swimmers when they meet and train with their heroes.”

CONTROVERSIAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT COSTS

This week, news broke that SSA had issued 21 South African swimmers with a notice to pay up to R55 000 for travel and accommodation to attend the World Aquatics Championships in Beijing next month.

Swimmers were required to fork out a R40,000 deposit by 10 November and pay the remaining R15,000 by 25 November.

Those who chose to arrange their own international flights are required to pay R37,000 towards accommodation and management costs. 

Additionally, swimmers are required to pay for their Chinese visas, International travel and domestic flights to Johannesburg.