Story

By Bryan Coetzee
Development sponsorship
South Africa
Sponsorship
MAKO Aquatics NPC invites you to be part of the first of its kind Aquatics Centre in the Vaal. Together we offer opportunities to better the development of young swimmers in the district and offer them the hopes of achieving greatness. MAKO Aquatics NPC is a registered Non-Profit Company and is registered with SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation under Section 30 of the Tax Act. MAKO Aquatics is a Level 2 B-BBEE non-Profit Company. The MAKO Aquatics company structure is set up to have proper governance at all levels with regards to the raising of funds and the utilisation thereof. With a board of NON-CONNECTED Directors and a Fundraising Committee, we ensure that all funds are properly appropriated in the projects we take on. Originally founded in Sunward Park, Boksburg, MAKO Aquatics expanded its reach to Three Rivers Vereeniging in 2023. Within a very short time, MAKO Aquatics has cemented its position as a competitor in swimming in the Vaal with the rapid growth of its squad. All our Coaches, Officials and Swimmers are registered with Eastern Gauteng Aquatics (EGA), Aquatics Gauteng (AG) and Swimming South Africa (SSA) and our swimmers compete at District, Regional and National Level. Due to the challenges that swimming faces in South Africa with more and more municipal pools being neglected and closed, MAKO Aquatics has always had to rely on utilizing private pools within premium gyms and fitness centers. Rental within these facilities is expensive and additional restrictions from these facilities limit the number of swimmers and potential swimmers from obtaining the training that they require to excel in swimming as memberships are required for them to make use of the facilities. Following the 2020/1 (Tokyo) and 2024 (Paris) Olympics, it has become clear that swimming has taken the lead in the Medal haul for South Africa. The National Coach, Rocco Meiring has made it clear that our swimming is behind other nations, and we need to plan how to get our swimmers on the international stage. Swimming is more than just a sport. It is a life skill that is seriously lacking in our society. In 2019, the World Health Organisation estimated 236,000 people died from drowning making drowning a major public health problem worldwide. This figure accounted for almost 8% of the total global mortality. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. The Duncanville Municipal Pool, once an iconic landmark in the town of Vereeniging, has gone to ruins as the local municipality has failed to ensure the upkeep of this once great facility. Recently taken photos depict the devasting condition of this facility. This is an example of an once state of the art swimming pool in which many galas and events were held and where coaches were welcomed to develop their swimmers. To repair this facility will cost Millions of Rands and the local Municipality does not have this within its budget or future forecasts. MAKO AQUATICS VISION FOR SWIMMING IN THE VALL MAKO AQUATICS NPC would like to take this opportunity to share our vision for an Aquatics Centre in the heart of the Vaal. MAKO Aquatics has identified an already constructed swimming pool at Three Rivers Christian Academy, a private school in Three Rivers Vereeniging that has been in the community for over 30 years. Together we have determined that by working together, we can create the first of its kind Aquatics Centre in the Vaal area. By making use of this facility already saves us enormous expenses in that of building a pool. Our aim is to open on the 1st September with a 2 phase development plan as outlined below: PHASE 1 Outdoor Swimming – 1st September 2024 to 31 March 2025 With an already constructed pool, MAKO Aquatics is aiming to raise the require funds to be operational by 1st September 2024 to enable us implement the required changes to the pool in terms of heating the pool to the required temperatures as well as acquiring the necessary accessories to make the pool usable for our swimmers. For swimmers to train comfortably, water temperatures of 27.5 to 28.5 degrees Celsius are required. To reach these temperatures, one of 2 methods can be used: Method 1 – Heat Pumps  3 x 65KW Inverter Heat Pumps – ITS65VPi3 @ R153,995 each = R461,985.00 (excl. VAT)  6 x 25m Solar Blankets with Rolling Stations @ R8,798 each = R52,788 (excl. VAT) Method 2 – Solar and Heat Pump Hybrid System  40 x ProSolar Solar Panels occupying the full available capacity of roof space available to be on specification of covering 60% of the water surface area of 300sqm – R98,999.00 for the systems (excl. VAT)  2 x 65KW Inverter Heat Pumps – ITS65VPi3 @ R153,995 each = R307,990 (excl. VAT)  6 x 25m Solar Blankets with Rolling Stations @ R8,798 each = R52,788 (excl. VAT) Heating is the primary step towards becoming operational and allowing swimmers to be able to train comfortably. Once the heating has been installed, additional financing is required for the following: Training and Development Equipment  5 x 25-meter anti-turbulent lane ropes @ R4,999.00 each – R24,995.00  6 x Starting Blocks @ R6,999 each – R41,994.00  2 x Sets Backstroke poles and Banting Flags @ R3,999 per set – R7,998.00  6 x Backstroke Wedges @ R4,999 each – R29,994.00  2 x 400mm Pace Clocks @ R3,999 each – R7,998.00 Filtration and Circulation The pool is currently fitted with 4 x 1.1KW Pumps each with 1 x 4 Bag Filter. To enable proper circulation of the water we need to install an additional filter to each pump.  4 x 4 Bag Filters @ R3,999.00 each – R15,996.00 PHASE 2 Year-Round Training – Construction of enclosure to pool – 1 April 2025 to 31 May 2025 The second phase of the project is scheduled for April/May 2025 when traditionally swimming pauses as the current season ends and the new season starts. We have identified this as the perfect time for us to begin construction on the enclosing of the pools and we are calling on engineers and construction companies to assist us in making it possible for our swimmers to train all year round enabling them to not only compete in the Summer Galas, but also the Winter Galas and other district galas. The enclosure of the pool will protect the swimmers against the harsh elements of Winter and making training possible throughout the year. Along with competitive swimming, the enclosure of the facility will allow for us to introduce Learn-2-Swim lessons to younger swimmers laying down the foundation for their future swimming careers. The offering of Swim Teacher and Coaching Development training will allow us to become a one stop destination for anything related to swimming and thereby growing future swim teachers and coaches. These valuable skills can make a difference to scholars embarking on their adventures in the real world. HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED? Our aim is to be able to offer Novice, School and Development Galas in the Vaal area to identify new swimmers and offer them the opportunity to become involved in swimming without having to lay out exorbitant amounts of money for premium memberships to fitness facilities. To succeed in this, we require your assistance in financing the above upgrades to the current facility and help enable us to offer the community of the Vaal with the first of its kind Aquatics Centre. Together with Three Rivers Christian Academy and MAKO Aquatics, branding and advertising solutions are available to your businesses both physically and online. Projected Return on Investment: While the specific return on investment will vary depending on the sponsorship level, we anticipate significant value for the sponsoring organization:  Immediate Brand Recognition: Your company's name and logo will be associated with a high-profile community project, generating immediate visibility and brand recognition  Long-Term Brand Loyalty: By investing in education and community infrastructure, your organization will foster long-term loyalty among learners, families, and community members  Positive Public Perception: Sponsoring the aquatics centre demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and community development, enhancing your organization's reputation and public image  Networking Opportunities: Your involvement with Three Rivers Christian Academy and MAKO Aquatics will provide opportunities for networking with other sponsors, community leaders, and school stakeholders, potentially leading to new business partnerships or opportunities WHO TO CONTACT? For more information on becoming involved in this opportunity, we invite you to contact us to discuss how you can become involved. Bryan Coetzee Director Project Coordinator 061 589 7993 marketing@mako.org.za