Olympic gold medalist Ryk Neethling's swimming academy in Garsfontein, Pretoria has been broken into and equipment to the value of R50 000 stolen, according to a news report on Wednesday.
“It is very sad to me. You try so hard to make a difference in your country. Then it is one step forward and two steps back,” Neethling told Beeld newspaper.
Robbers broke into the facility on Tuesday evening and stole cables, towels, swimming costumes, the sound system, and even the coffee and sweets for students. Neethling started the project for the less fortunate and mentally disabled almost two months ago.
“A group of instructors teach 80 (students) to swim there weekly. That's about 40 children and 40 adults.”
People who heard about the robbery said they planned to help with new equipment, Neethling told Beeld. – Sapa