On Sunday (3/10), hundreds of foreign nationals competed in
a swimming competition on Kuta Beach.
The competition, hosted by the non-profit Bali Sports
Foundation (BSF), was staged to collect funds for the island's disadvantaged
children. According to the Director of BSF, Rodney James Holt, this charitable
organization has been hosting such events in Bali for the last 12 years as a
form of support to the local population, particularly those who suffer from
physical or mental disability.
Aside from helping our community, this event was created to
boost Bali's tourism, which has been halted since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in
2020. "This is our 12th Bali Ocean Swim, which we have been conducting in
Bali for the past 12 years to fund and encourage sporting development for
disadvantaged persons while also revitalizing Bali tourism." On Sunday,
Holt stated. On Kuta Beach, both foreigners and locals, including children,
were spotted competing in this open water swimming competition.
Holt explained that all profits will be used to support 17
different spotting activities in Bali for children with disabilities such as
Down syndrome and autism, as well as deaf and blind children. Despite the large
waves that made the competition more difficult, 143 people registered for the
event. "We used to have more participants, but they are still unable to
participate since the border has not been reopened." Holt concluded.