THE IMPORTANCE OF SWIMMING

Learning to swim is far more than learning a sport — it is learning a life skill that can save a life.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to swim, regardless of their background or circumstances. Swimming develops strength, endurance, coordination, discipline and confidence, while teaching children essential skills to keep themselves safe in and around water.
Through quality swimming instruction, children learn how to respond to different situations in the water — from swimming longer distances and swimming underwater, to developing the confidence and ability to cope in unexpected circumstances.

Whether it is a day at the beach, a family holiday, a pool party or simply being around water, the ability to swim can make the difference between a moment of danger and a life saved.

But swimming offers so much more than safety.

It opens the door to a lifetime of freedom, enjoyment and adventure — from enjoying the ocean and swimming pools to discovering snorkelling, scuba diving, water sports and open-water swimming.

A child who cannot swim may one day find themselves standing on the sidelines while others enjoy these experiences. A child who can swim has the confidence to participate, explore and embrace the many opportunities that water can offer.

Teaching a child to swim is giving them more than a skill.
It is giving them confidence.
It is giving them freedom.
It is giving them opportunity.
And, quite possibly, it is giving them the gift of life.
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THE LEOMAT 1000 — WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The LEOMAT 1000 was founded from a passion to promote and support development swimmers.

Over the years, this iconic event has grown into much more than a swimming competition. It has become an opportunity for children and families to come together, participate, challenge themselves and experience the joy of swimming.

The event has a powerful triple impact:

A positive outlet for expression.
Swimming gives children something positive to strive towards, helping them develop discipline, self-belief and a sense of achievement.

Exposure to healthy competition.
Children learn that success is not always about winning. It is about setting goals, overcoming challenges, improving themselves and celebrating the achievements of others.

The opportunity to meet inspiring role models.
Being surrounded by coaches, swimmers, officials and other young athletes can inspire children to believe that they too can achieve more than they ever imagined.

But there is an even greater purpose behind the event.

By supporting the LEOMAT 1000, you are helping us promote swimming as a lifesaving skill and create opportunities for children who may otherwise never have had them.

So come and join us for a spectacular day in the water — and be part of something that is much bigger than a swim event.
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USHAKA 1000 — BRINGING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PIETERMARITZBURG

Following the success and longstanding impact of the LEOMAT 1000, Ushaka Aquatics wanted to take the same spirit of opportunity, inclusion and fun to the Pietermaritzburg community and surrounding areas.

And so, the USHAKA 1000 was born.

Our vision is simple: to give more children and families the opportunity to experience swimming, develop their skills and discover the confidence that comes from being in the water.

We believe that opportunities should not be limited by where a child lives or what their family can afford.

Through the USHAKA 1000, we hope to bring clubs, schools, families and the wider community together in an event that celebrates swimming while supporting a far greater purpose — helping children become safer, stronger and more confident around water.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION — EVERY SWIM MAKES A DIFFERENCE

When you participate in the LEOMAT 1000 or USHAKA 1000, you are doing more than entering a fun and exciting swim event.

You are helping to make a difference.
Funds raised through these events support swimming development programmes at Ushaka Aquatics, a registered development swimming club affiliated with Swim South Africa.

Ushaka is committed to using swimming as a tool for drowning prevention, personal development and opportunity, with a particular focus on children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For many of these children, swimming is not simply a sport. It can be a pathway to something greater.

Our programmes have helped previous swimmers progress into lifeguarding, providing them with valuable qualifications, employment opportunities and a source of supportive income.

And some of the people who have grown through the Ushaka programme have gone on to inspire the next generation.

Our Head Coach, Yenzi Khumalo, now recognised as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading young coaches, began his own journey as a swimmer within the Ushaka programme.
From swimmer to a Lifeguard
From a Lifeguard to a Swim Coach
From learner to leader.
From opportunity to giving opportunity.

That is what development is all about.
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MORE THAN A SWIM — IT’S ABOUT CHANGING LIVES

We are incredibly proud to see these events continue to grow, with increasing participation from swimming clubs, schools, families and the wider community, including swimmers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Every swimmer who enters, every family who attends, every sponsor who supports us and every person who gets behind these events contributes to something meaningful.

Together, we can create more opportunities.
Together, we can teach more children to swim.
Together, we can help prevent drownings.
Together, we can give young people the confidence to believe in themselves and the opportunity to build a better future.

Because sometimes, the smallest splash can create the biggest ripple.
A child learns to swim.
That child becomes confident.
That confidence creates opportunity.
That opportunity can change a life.

And one day, that swimmer may become the person who saves another life.

LEOMAT 1000 & USHAKA 1000
Swim for the fun.
Swim for the challenge.
Swim for the opportunity.
Swim because every child deserves the chance to learn.
And swim for a purpose — because together, we can make a difference.