The southern Challenge is partnering with the Banks town Cricket Club to include used running shoes in their shipments to Uganda. The club has been sending containers full of sporting equipment and gear to Uganda since 2005.
Uganda a land locked country in East Africa, is one of the poorest in the world, as former British colony, it’s not surprising that the population speaks English and loves their cricket.
Donations from Australia have given opportunities to thousands of Ugandans, who would otherwise, be unable to participate in sports. In 2005, before donations from Australia began, there were fewer than 15,000 cricketers in Uganda. Official statistics provided to ICC in 2012, show that are now over 47,193 cricketers, and they attribute this rise almost entirely to the donated equipment from Bankstown.
When the Chief Executive Officer, of Uganda Cricket Association, Justine Ligyalingi visited Australia last month, and was told of the new drive planned for used running shoes, his excitement was palpable. "We have so many athletics, not just cricketers who need shoes, in any condition that this would make a huge difference. We simply don’t have the funds to make sure that every one has shoes for running, playing, or training. When asked about the effectiveness of this programme Justine said you don’t realize what a difference you are making in so many peoples lives".
And this is why the team at Sixty4 Southern Highlands Challenge are getting behind this drive, all what to do, is to donate any unwanted or old shoes, it’s that simple. How many pairs are under your stairs or in the wardrobe, that aren’t your favourite anymore or aren’t quite up to scratch for your running? Put them to good use by giving them to someone who can really use them.
Its worthy pointing out that this programme has now grown so much, that the last container shipped also had school uniforms and books enough to supply a number of schools. So it has grown beyond just a sport, The cost of shipping this equipment, is met by Bankstown Sports Club, typically $8000 to$10,000 per shipment, without their support, this generous programme, couldn’t exist.
We are collecting at various points between now and the race as well as collecting at the event 31st August. You can drop shoes at the 2Xu Store in Paddington, at the Sutherland to Surf the M7 Blacktown Marathon, other venues. If running clubs or groups wish to do their own collection, we will come and pick up your collections from you, from anywhere in Sydney region. Let us know how many bags of shoes you have collected and we will pick them from you.
So, have a chat amongst your running friends and club, arrange to bring in all your no longer needed shoe, collect them all up, and then ring us on 0408 487 092 (Brian) Or 0417 257 984(Marty)
