PARALYMPIAN ADRI VISSER RALLIES 15 CHAMPIONS TO SWIM FOR INCLUSION

Johannesburg, South Africa – Paralympian Adri Visser is orchestrating something special at this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile. As the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) takes its place among the event’s official charities, Visser has assembled a formidable team of 15 swimmers—from Olympic medallists to rising young athletes—all committed to raising funds for disability inclusion across South Africa.

Visser herself will compete in Event 1 on Saturday morning, February 7, swimming her 12th Midmar Mile. But her biggest contribution this year extends beyond her own lane. Working behind the scenes as NCPD’s Casual Day Coordinator for Retailers, she’s brought together an extraordinary roster of champions for the Charity Challenge on February 5-6.

“When I retired as a Paralympic swimmer in 2016, I wasn’t sure if I would be swimming Midmar again,” Visser explains. “Then I just felt like I really wanted to do it recreationally for 2025. I started training for it, and I really enjoyed it, and I got to connect with race director Wayne Riddin again. It was so nice to be back in the community that I was a part of for 16 years.”

That reconnection sparked something bigger. After conversations with Riddin, NCPD became one of the official charities for the 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile—a partnership that reflects the event’s longstanding commitment to disability swimming. Now, 15 swimmers will take on the gruelling 8-Mile Charity Challenge to raise funds for the cause.

The lineup reads like a who’s who of South African swimming, spanning generations and bringing together Paralympic champions, Olympic medallists, and passionate advocates:

– Alani Ferreira – Three-time Paralympian and visually impaired swimming champion who was guided across Midmar Dam by Olympic gold medallist Sharon van Rouwendaal in 2025

– Terence Parkin – a Sydney Olympic silver medallist attempting an extraordinary 32-mile feat. Parkin won the silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the 200m Breaststroke. Parkin, who was born deaf, also competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, and the Deaflympics, in which he took home 29 gold medals.  He holds the record for winning the greatest number of medals in Deaflympics history, with a total of 33.

– Shayla Parkin, who is Terence Parkin’s daughter, will also be joining the team.

– Wayne Riddin – Race director and former national coach, tackling the 8-Mile Challenge

– Reino von Wielligh – In his 21st consecutive Midmar Mile, attempting 32 miles for charity

– Rupert Keeton – Experienced open water competitor

– Hayden Kriedemann – Elite distance swimmer

– Connor Crutchley – At 14, one of the youngest taking on the 8-Mile Challenge. He underwent head surgery as an infant and swims to support others facing similar challenges

– Skye Giorgiutti – Young talent committed to the cause

– Jose Cardoso – Dedicated fundraiser for disability advocacy

– Gerber Pretorius – Long-time supporter of inclusive swimming

– Siphwe Dlamini – Community advocate

– Cheryl Haley – Passionate supporter of disability rights

– Alain Williams – Family team supporter

– Caleb Williams – Family team supporter

Born with no hands and only one leg, Visser set six African records during her Paralympic career before retiring to pursue her Masters degree in Therapeutic Recreation from North-West University. Today, she brings her lived experience and advocacy work full circle at NCPD, where she coordinates Casual Day initiatives for retailers nationwide.

The funds raised will support NCPD’s critical work across multiple fronts. As South Africa’s premier disability advocacy organisation with over 85 years of service, NCPD channels resources into awareness programs, policy influence, physical and social access initiatives, and economic participation opportunities for persons with disabilities. The organisation operates the National Mobility Programme, provides assistive devices through initiatives like Nappy Run, and coordinates Casual Day—the flagship fundraising campaign that has sustained hundreds of schools and organisations in the disability sector since 1994.

Since launching in 2016, the aQuellé Midmar Mile Charity Challenge has raised over R22 million for various causes across South Africa. The challenge offers swimmers the option to complete either 8 miles or 16 miles over the two days (February 5-6), with the main race events following on February 7-8.

The aQuellé Midmar Mile is the world’s largest open water swimming event, officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 2009 when 13,755 swimmers finished the race. Held annually at Midmar Dam in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, the 53rd edition expects between 12,000 and 14,000 participants. The event draws everyone from Olympic champions to first-time open water swimmers, with categories spanning all ages and abilities, including dedicated races for swimmers with disabilities.

Inaugurated in 1974, the Midmar Mile covers approximately 1.6 kilometres. The iconic event has become a celebration of South African swimming culture, attracting families, elite athletes, and charity swimmers who return year after year. Mike Pengelly holds the remarkable record of completing all 52 editions of the race.

The Charity Challenge component allows swimmers to multiply their impact by completing multiple miles across both days, turning personal endurance into community support.

Let’s support the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and their extraordinary team of 15 champions as they take on this year’s 8-Mile aQuellé Midmar Mile 2026 charity swims!

By backing their charity swims, you’re helping to create a more inclusive South Africa and support persons with disabilities across the country. Together, we can help make a real difference for persons with disabilities across South Africa.

Support the cause via the GivenGain link: https://www.givengain.com/event/2026-charity-8-mile-challenge-ncpd