Bali Hope Swim Run: Crossing Oceans...To Save it

In case you didn’t know, our beloved oceans are in trouble. The incredibly vast underwater eco-universe –– about 700 species from plankton to whales –– is being impacted by the harmful effects of plastic.

According to Ocean Conservancy, plastic has been found in more than sixty percent of all seabirds and in a hundred percent of sea turtles species, that mistake plastic for food. The problem is so vast, that every year, 8 million metric tons of plastics enter our ocean on top of the estimated 150 million metric tons already floating around the marine environments. This harmful manmade material is both toxic and deadly in its infiltration of over 71 percent of the Earth’s surface.

Fortunately, the troubling state of our oceans has sparked a global response. Now, more than ever, we see ocean clean-up efforts ramping up. Some large. Some small. All equally as important in moving us toward a brighter, more sustainable, and more prosperous future.

Queue Derek Bulstrode. 

Derek reached out to THEMAGIC5 to ask for our support in his ocean conservation efforts. He’s determined to make a difference by participating in the 2019 Bali Hope Swim Run. The run, hosted by the Bali Children’s Foundation, is dedicated to protecting the future of the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Both of these previously pristine islands, located off the coast of Bali, have been heavily impacted by massive tourism growth and poor waste management.
“We have known Derek a good year now, the first time we talked to him he just completed a 16k swim in Malaysia with our goggles. We still keep in touch, and recently, he reached out to ask for support for his participation. We didn’t hesitate to help at all, as we completely support Derek and the cause,” says Rasmus Barfred, Co-Founder of the THEMAGIC5.

On December 12th, 2019, Bulstrode, along with other two-person teams of people all around the world, will flock to Bali to run approximately 20 km and swim approximately 3 km. All to do their part in supporting the Bali Children’s Foundation in their efforts to prevent thousands of pounds of plastic from entering the surrounding ocean.

He says “[I’ve] seen the impact [the Bali Children’s Foundation] is making on this beautiful island we've been living on and [I want] to support them.” With the sponsorship money from his Derek Gives Back to Bali fundraising campaign, he’ll participate in the run in an effort to bring greater awareness, and hope, to the sustainability of the beautiful island.

For THEMAGIC5, supporting Derek and his participation in the Bali Hope Swim Run 2019 is a no brainer. While the largest reason we jumped at the chance to help is to save our oceans and the plethora of marine life that call it home, it also aligns with one of our core values: optimizing the swimming experience. Some of the most unique swimming experiences are in open water –– which should be clear, magnificent, and free from the harm of plastics. 
“I have been fortunate enough to travel to Bali and seen the plastics in the ocean myself. It was a real eye-opener. This is a great way to draw attention to a problem that, unfortunately, is not getting enough attention,” says Barfred.

To support Derek, THEMAGIC5 has contributed to his campaign and we want to encourage you to donate as well. Every small action we take today contributes to a better tomorrow. You can start right here, right now.

“The more people know about Bali Children Foundation, the greater their impact. Every bit helps,” Bulstrode says.

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