Big swim’s 15th edition kicks off soon
IT IS Merrifield Mile time again! 
Swimmers and spectators can look forward to fun in the water at Wriggleswade Dam for the 15th edition of the annual Merrifield Mile, powered by feature sponsor Nedbank.
The three events – a 1.6km swim, a 500m dash and a fun Spur Splash for the kids – take place on February 26, with the GO! & Express on board as media sponsors.
The Merrifield Mile is a marketing event for Merrifield Prep School and College, which celebrates its 20th year of existence this year.
As the Mile has grown in prominence on the region’s sporting calendar, so too has the school blossomed since opening in 1997, becoming the region’s leading independent school renowned in particular for its nurturing ethos and academic excellence.
“Over the years the Merrifield Mile has grown in stature to become a key event on the public spor- ting programme in the region, with the capacity to attract leading corporates, such as Nedbank, as its feature sponsor,” Merrifield executive head Dr Guy Hartley said.
“This growth is in direct correlation to the developing reputation of Merrifield Preparatory School and College as the leading independent educational provider of primary and secondary schooling in the area. For the school to host such a celebrated event is indicative of its own professionalism and organisational strength as an institution.
“Merrifield is indeed proud to host one of the major events on the region’s sporting and recreational calendar,” he said.
Last year just under 1000 swimmers competed across events, and around 4000 spectators lined the banks to cheer on friends and family and enjoy a good day out in the country.
Event organiser Tracey Mangold said she was “thrilled that Nedbank would see value in getting involved in an event that has now become a well-known event on the sporting calendar in the Eastern Cape and further afield”.
“I am very proud of Merrifield School, to be able to host an event of this nature. The Mile has grown from a vision 15 years ago to an event of +/- 1000 swimmers and 4000 spectators,” she said.
“Our dream to grow the Mile has been made possible by the support from our team of sponsors and the involvement of the Border community.”
Entries are open for all three events at Merrifield Prep School and College, at Sportsmans Warehouse and Cycle HQ, or enter online at www.merrifieldmile.co.za.
Bring family, friends, goggles, a costume and sunscreen and take part in the region’s premier long- distance swimming extravaganza, proudly organised and hosted by Merrifield Prep School and College. For more info visit: www.merrifieldmile.co.za or call the school or event organiser Tracey Mangold on (043)748-6094.
See you there!
Merrifield School is located on the corner of Bonza Bay Road and the N6 turn off to Stutterheim.
