Swimmer with Down syndrome appeals for funding to compete at world championships

After more than a decade in the pool and five years of serious competitive training, Johannesburg swimmer Lorenzo Cazzavillan, 21, is set to represent South Africa at the 12th World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Albufeira, Portugal, from October 30 to November 7.

Lorenzo, who has Down syndrome, will compete as part of the South African team.

His journey began at Casa do Sol School for Special Education, where he first discovered his love for swimming.

“About six years ago, I joined the Mandeville Dolphins Swimming Club, where I train under the guidance of Lize-Mari and Dean Price. I am incredibly grateful for my father, who has raised me as a single parent and has made many sacrifices to support me and help me achieve my dreams,” he said.

For Lorenzo, qualifying for the world championships is a dream come true, but as with most sports in South Africa when an athlete qualifies for a world games, funding is an issue.

“As a single parent, my father has done everything he can to support me, but this journey is bigger than what we can manage alone,” he said.

Though Lorenzo has qualified for the World Championships, the trip is not funded.

His father, Max Cazzavillan said the South African team travelling to Portugal has not been endorsed by Swimming South Africa or SASCOC, meaning the athletes are not receiving official national colours or automatic financial backing.

As a single parent, my father has done everything he can to support me, but this journey is bigger than what we can manage alone—  Lorenzo Cazzavillan

Lorenzo is instead travelling through DISO South Africa, which is sending a team to the championships.

“He’s got three qualifying A times, and it’s not easy for him to get to those times. He consistently swims under those A qualifying times, yet we cannot get the team endorsed,” he said.

The costs add up quickly, including flights, accommodation, competition fees, travel and specialised racing gear all need to be covered by the family.

Max said even an entry-level racing suit can cost about R6,500, which is why he has also approached individuals and brands for practical sponsorship support.

A BackaBuddy campaign, Lorenzo 12th World Down Syndrome Championship, has been launched to raise R150,000 towards the cost of getting him to Portugal.

More than 50 people have already supported Lorenzo’s campaign, including members of Max’s running club, parents from Mandeville Dolphins and people Lorenzo has met through competitions.

“There are people who know him, people who don’t know him very well but have met him, and people who know of him through other people who have contributed. It makes you realise there are really, really good people out there,” he said.

He said that support gives Lorenzo another reason to make the most of the opportunity.

“He carries all those people on his shoulders because of the contributions they’ve made. You want him to go there, really shine, embrace the environment and learn from the other swimmers,” Max said.

Max said Lorenzo’s campaign has also highlighted how difficult it can be for athletes outside mainstream sporting structures to fund international competition.

He said athletes with Down syndrome often put in the same hours and discipline as other elite swimmers, but their achievements can be misunderstood or overlooked.

“I get the feeling a lot of people think he was invited. They don’t realise he qualified. For him to get to those times, it’s taken him five years,” he said.

“I think crowdfunding is massive in helping sports that are not recognised or are not mainstream, so these athletes can realise their dreams as well,” Max said.

Max hopes Lorenzo’s journey can also encourage other parents of children with Down syndrome to pursue opportunities in sport.

“Just because your child has Down syndrome doesn’t mean they can’t achieve. There are avenues for them to be recognised for their talent,” Max said

For Max, that makes the opportunity about much more than race times.

“I think for Lorenzo it’s an opportunity to grow. It’s going to be his first overseas trip. He’s never experienced the culture of another country, and he’s never had the opportunity to spend time with Down syndrome athletes from all over the world,” Max said.