England boss Gareth Southgate has backed a group of Northumbria University students as they prepare to play their part in a £50,000 fundraising marathon.
The former Middlesbrough manager joined Rio gold medallist Adam Peaty and his coach Mel Marshall to launch the latter’s ‘50 for 50’ challenge - supporting underprivileged communities in Africa through sport.
And the pool stars will be supported in Zambia by a team of sporting celebrities and volunteer students as they look to complete 50 hours of coaching in five days.
Northumbria’s Jack Preston, Molly Carter and Ellen Duke will be based in Lusaka in August as part of the internationally recognised Wallace Group Volunteer Zambia (VZ) programme.
And they will take time out to join Peaty, Marshall and Rebecca Adlington as local children are schooled in football, basketball, netball, volleyball and triathlon.
“We take for granted opportunities to play sport and the facilities we have in this country,” said Southgate. “Even facilities that we wouldn’t deem as good in the UK would be outstanding in countries like Zambia so it’s important we do something about that.
“For the guys to go out there and inspire people to take up sport and maybe enable them to go to the next level, with some good coaching thrown in, is really exciting.”
Peaty has already experienced life in Zambia’s searing heat but the Team GB star can’t wait to return later this year alongside the Northumbria trio.
“Hopefully this is the start of raising a lot of money to allow children to get involved in sport and be educated through sport,” he said. “I’d like to think future generations in Zambia will take up a sport and maybe some of them can even pursue it as a serious career.
“Four years ago we went out there and took on a 500km bike ride in 42 degrees. Some of the money we raised has helped build a sports facility and we will be starting our five day challenge this year from there which is really exciting.”
Northumbria - founder members of the Wallace Group - have been part of the VZ programme for more than a decade.
And the University’s Student And Staff Development Manager, Kate Hansbury, said: “Every year two teams of Northumbria volunteers head to Zambia with the aim of using sport to educate under-privileged communities.
“This year the second group’s stay coincides with Mel’s fantastic ‘50 for 50’ challenge and it made sense for them to get involved.
“Over the years our fundraising efforts have meant we’ve been able to rent a house over there in partnership with Durham University.
“Mel, Adam and the athletes will be staying there for the week and we’re incredibly proud that Northumbria and its students are playing such a key role in raising more funds for a country we know and love.”
Marshall, who became one of Britain’s most decorated swimmers before moving into coaching, is spearheading the ‘50 for 50’ challenge.
In conjunction with the Sport In Action charity, the week-long event will raise funds for The Perfect Day Foundation - established in 2008 to support Zambia communities through sport.
Marshall is a patron of The Perfect Day Foundation and will lead a team of 12 former athletes in Zambia in a bid to hit her £50,000 target.
“On my previous visits to Zambia I have seen how valuable sport can be in enhancing the quality of life of young people who have next to nothing,” she said.
“I promised myself I would return every Olympic cycle and try to raise money to give them a chance to enjoy sport and learn valuable life skills. Every donation makes such a big difference to the lives of these young people.”
To donate text MELZ17 £10 to 70070 or visit The Perfect Day Foundation’s Just Giving Page at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/theperfectdayfoundation/melmarshallzambia
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