Denver Burns is a name that has become increasingly popular within the last month. This proud Port Elizabethan and self-proclaimed water baby was recently crowned Mr. South Africa 2010. At 25, Denver is the youngest Mr. South Africa as well as the first from Port Elizabeth.

This attorney-at-law has lived in Port Elizabeth all his life and was crowned Mr. Port Elizabeth in 2008. “To be honest, the prizes for Mr. Port Elizabeth inspired me to enter the pageant, but a friend of mine who has entered before said he enjoyed it and urged me to enter as well” Denver says with a grin. From there on, the Mr. South Africa pageant was obviously the next step. And from all of Denver’s endeavours, it seems that he is a perfect Mr. South Africa.

“I didn’t think that I’d actually win Mr. South Africa. It’s still difficult to wrap my head around it” says Denver who was crowned on the 13th of March.

Being a Mr. South Africa requires someone who is not just a pretty face. Denver certainly is no exception. He has been involved with numerous charities as well as community upliftment programmes over the past couple of years. Some of these include the Reach for a Dream Foundation, the Animal Welfare Society and the Children’s Haven MTR Smit. Denver also initiated a swim clinic to help underprivileged children learn how to swim. “There is a special place in my heart for children and animals because they can’t help themselves and are dependent upon others for support and survival”.

Even though there are so many charities, youth care centers and homes that care for children, one cannot ignore the fact that often, these children do not really know what it is like to be a part of a family. “To better their quality of life is thus what I aim for when I am involved with a charity or such initiative” says a passionate Denver.

The Ironman 4 the Kidz was next to take advantage of Denver’s giving nature. Garth Wright, ex-springbok rugby player, approached Denver to take part in the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa on behalf of the charity that he started with his partner, Gary Stephenson. The Ironman 4 the Kidz charity helps four youth care centers in Port Elizabeth to improve the lives of underprivileged children by donating funds to these beneficiaries as well as providing the children with sporting opportunities such as participating in the Ironman and Ironkids events.

Since improving the lives of children is so close to Denver’s heart, it is no surprise that this Mr. South Africa completed this challenge without hesitation.

At Denver’s side was his best friend of 15 years, Fabian Smith, who is the owner of the Bluewater Bay Lifestyle Centre. Fabian will also be competing on behalf of the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity and he and Denver started and finished the race together.

The cycle leg is what worried Denver the most since punctures can set an athlete far behind. As a gift from Coimbra Cycle Centre, Denver received a CEEPO TT Venom, an official Ironman bike which was made by a Japanese company, and the first of its kind in South Africa. This helped with the dreaded cycle leg of the race.

He was not worried about the 3,8km sea swim. Denver is a veteran swimmer. This water baby has been a part of the Eastern Province water polo men’s team since 2005 and started coaching one of the Eastern Province schools water polo teams since 2006. Denver is a former NSRI member and a qualified lifeguard who goes on voluntary patrols on Port Elizabeth’s beaches in his spare time.

Denver swam the 30km from Coega to Pollock beach on the final day of a swim clinic he held in September of last year. He initiated the swim clinic to help disadvantaged children from a primary school in Kwazakhele to learn to swim and teach the basics of safety at the beach. No wonder he says the swim loop of the race will be a breeze!

By taking part in the 2010 Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa, Denver not only helped the Ironman 4 the Kidz charity, but also draws extra attention to this fantastic event held in Port Elizabeth. This then ultimately drew attention to Port Elizabeth, which is one of Denver’s big goals. “Amongst other things I aim to achieve during my reign as Mr. South Africa, I would like to put Port Elizabeth on the map” Denver says seriously. “Port Elizabeth is such a beautiful place with awesome beaches and great people”. This coincides with what Denver feels people and the media alike should focus on. “Instead of only seeing the negative side of things, people should look around them and see what a beautiful country South Africa is and realize everything it offers” says this ambassador.

Next on Denver’s agenda is a possible soccer clinic to be held during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The Grassroot Soccer initiative, which was co‐founded by Ethan Zohn from Survivor: Africa fame, sees top soccer professionals not only help children with their soccer skills, but also sees them giving these children knowledge and advice on HIV/Aids. “We would like to target soccer stars from PSL groups who will not be participating in the Soccer World Cup to be mentors in this initiative” says an excited Denver.

Denver is also the Eastern Cape ambassador for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and encourages people to donate blood. “My aim is to get 1000 people to donate blood and thereafter, each of these must get two other people to donate blood as well, thus creating a ripple effect”.

Denver is also planning to have another swim clinic this winter in which he will teach children how to swim and stay safe in the water, thus preparing them for the summer season.

Looking at all of this, it seems quite inconceivable that Denver still has time to relax. However, according to him, “there has to be a balance between one’s work, sport and spirituality”. This, Denver says, basically comes down to having something that guides you everyday, knowing that work and success are not the most important things in life, and remembering that a healthy body equals a healthy mind.

The thing that Denver enjoys most about life is its unpredictability. “I love the challenges life poses and the new opportunities that are around every corner every day. It’s really exciting!”

The life motto he follows certainly coincides with what an exciting life offers. “I believe that you should push yourself to the absolute limit because if you don’t, how will you know where your limits lie?”

Denver’s ultimate goal as a Mr. South Africa is to influence the youth of this great country. “Today, a lot of young people look up to celebrities who do not set a good example on how to live, especially morally. I want to change the mindset of what the youth thinks is cool and good by being a role model who sets a good example to them through my own life”.

Although Denver Burns might be the youngest Mr. South Africa to date, he is certainly wise beyond his years.