Putting Boots On The Ground
Jason and a team of fundraisers have travelled into the depths of Southern Africa for The Atlas Foundation.
Their mission: Deliver rugby kit and supplies to groups of school children in order to improve their skills, to engage more children than before and to bring awareness of the great benefits rugby is having on these children's lives.
|
|
|
Every year Atlas sends a team of volunteers who fundraise to go on a unique expedition with Jason and other rugby legends. This year, the Atlas team travelled around rural Zimbabwe and Botswana, covering approximately 500 miles of dirt track in a couple of days. The crew visited Victoria Falls, camped out under the stars, enjoyed local delicacies, understood what proper potholes really are and engaged with masses of children to put a smile on their face.
|
|
Along the route the team visited rugby projects in both Zimbabwe and Botswana. The gem was a rugby tournament coordinated by the Tag Rugby Trust which hosted over 100 girls and boys from local communities. The team delivered boots and kit to these children so that they can continue to learn teamwork, social skills and most importantly have fun like children must. As well as rugby kit the crew helped hand out food and other key resources such as sanitary products.
|
|
Getting There
The 14 strong team have all committed to raising £10,000 for Atlas and to further the work we do both in the countries they were visiting and in other projects around the world. But they weren't the only ones that contributed funds for the trip.
|
|
|
|
At the Atlas Dinner 2017, dozens of guests pledged to give £100, there and then, to pay for 10 sets of boots for the children that were visited. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, this not only paid for boots in Botswana and Zimbabwe but has gone to help fund boots in India, South Africa and Kenya.
|
|
|
As the team was only travelling for a short while there was no time for rest. Every moment was action packed. Thanks to the Old School group coordinating the trip, the Atlas Foundation Challenge didn't disappoint and a number of challengers have already put their name down for 2019!
|
|
|
|
If you would like to see the unique experiences that the Old School Group can put together, they're offering a bespoke package for the Cape Town Test this summer. For more details email sue@oldschoolgroup.co.za
|
|
Where are we going next year?
With a trek across Iceland in 2017 and expedition through Southern Africa in 2018, what we have next for 2019 needs to be special.
|
|
|
Our plan is to organise an exploration in the foothills of the Himalayas. After seeing some of Northern India's unique locations, we will be ending by opening a new community centre being constructed by Khelo Rugby for a community in a remote area called Saraswatipur. The centre will bring children together and allow them a space to learn, keep clean and play some good old fashioned rugby. If this is already getting you excited click here for more details and to secure your place early.
|
|
Upcoming Atlas Events
As always, we want as many people as possible to engage with our events. Everyone of our events helps raise money for projects, increase awareness and help educate others of the work we do around the world.
|
|
|
Atlas Peloton at The Tour of Cambridgeshire
3rd June
Join us in 2018 for this fantastic closed road event. Building on the success of the last two years ATLAS will provide a quality race jersey, a dedicated VIP enclosure with private registration, kit and bike storage, food and a bar. Jason and other former pro-rugby stars will lead out the ATLAS Peloton and welcome you back for a drink in the VIP enclosure.
We are now very close to the deadline for applicants so if youre interested please get in touch with us at cycling@atlasfrc.org ASAP
|
|
Atlas Wales Launch Event
House of Lords
11th June
Another summer, another House of Lords reception. This time we are hosting Welsh Rugby Clubs and Welsh Exiles to celebrate the start of Atlas Wales and to engage Welsh clubs with the work that Atlas does. We will be hosting an afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the Thames where Jason Leonard and Martyn Williams will greet you.
If you're Welsh, a Welsh Exile or know someone that is please come and get involved by contacting us here.
|
|
|
Atlas Golf Day
Kingswood Golf Club
29th June
The ball is a bit small and the wrong shape but we do like a golf day. A deliberately intimate event at a beautiful course with a liberal sprinklings of rugby players, refs, commentators and fans.
Hosted by Kingswood Golf and Country Club near Tadworth in Surrey. Always a special day with a shotgun start, lunch and
Corporate sponsored Four Balls are £1,500, non-corporate Four Balls £750. For more information contact us here.
|
|
Atlas Annual Dinner
Hilton, Park Lane
12th September
With the World Cup just around the corner we meet current stars of the England XV and talk with them about the Journey to Japan. With Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell, Dylan Hartely and Billy Vunipola, to name a few, we will be in the company of some of the biggest names in the game.
Book before Friday 27th April to get a 10% discount when you use the code Japan online. Go to www.fireballshop.co.uk/japan to get your seats now!
|
|
|
|
|
