UTS Drive Through 10 African Countries

Today sees our man, Richard Bennett, venture out into the African Continent taking sport, health and educational messages to thousands of children.

Richard and his team of 5 will spend 6 months in two Land Rovers (very cosy) visiting 15 schools in 10 African countries, taking important life skill messages to kids through the powerful medium of sport.

Over the past week the team assembled, in Hertfordshire, for some intense training and bonding excercises. The team also got stuck into sorting out all the equipment that will be left with each African school along their visit, including rugby balls, pumps, cones, bibs, whistles and referee jerseys.

Jon Parry from Training Expertise, worked with the team, helping each member to become aware of different situations which could be potentially hazardous during the expedition. The activities gave the team an insight into proper care in remote locations, where sufficient medical assistance is sometimes not available.

The team were also able to spend valuable time with legendary Welsh International and British Lions full-back, JPR Williams, talking through the various elements of this year’s mission, where rugby and it’s values are so key to the delivery of the programme.

“As with all things, the preparation is very important, you’ve prepared very well for it. It’s quite exciting really, this all coming to fruition. We wish you all the best and our thoughts will be with you and let’s hope we can help the children of Africa to take on what is a great game of rugby union.”
JPR Williams

From all in the United Through Sport community we wish Richard a successful and sports fuelled trip. We believe this team truely have the power to touch the lives of many children and our thoughts go with them.

Keep coming back to our website to see updates on the team’s progress as they navigate their way through Africa

Paul Paddles Hard for UTS

A big thank you goes out to Paul Young from Tunbridge Wells and his team, ‘Apalala’ (means dragon in Chinese), for raising money for United Through Sport at the Bewl Water Dragon Boat Festival in Sept 2011. More than 800 people competed in an amazing display of paddle power, excitement and fun. Since the event began in 1998 well over £1million has been raised for 175 local and international charities.

Get involved at next years event in Bristol.
Taking place on Sunday 23rd Sept 2012 at Baltic Wharf.

This is a brilliant way for teams to have fun and raise money for United Through Sport. People do not have to be fitness fanatics or marathon runners to compete in a team – it’s all about timing and teamwork! Team members aged from 16 to 60+ can paddle and raise money. We suggest teams raise at least £1,750. Each team has 16 paddlers and a drummer in each race but can have 20 or more in the team to include extra paddlers and raise more funds.

To see further details go to www.funraisers.org.uk and click on the event in the dropdown menu. Entry fee for each team is £350 – that’s about £20 per paddler. We would be delighted to have your team involved. Let us know if you are thinking of entering a team so we can keep you fully informed.

Alternatively you can call Pip Lightbody on 07092 222066 for further information.

Come and get involved for a great day out!