Author: Jocelyn Coffin
Guided by their slogan, “rise to the challenge,” Sport Relief is a biennial event founded by the UK charity Comic Relief. Working in conjunction with BBC Sport, the event seeks to raise money for the world’s most poverty-stricken countries. Sport Relief combines sports and philanthropy and anyone can sign up to get involved. Participants raise money by seeking financial sponsorship through the assembling of teams or hosting events. The events will be held and broadcasted by BBC from March 19 to 21.
According to Sport Relief’s Web site, the events aim to raise money to fight malaria in Africa, as well as to provide educational support for underprivileged children across the globe. Staying true to its mission as a sports appeal, Sport Relief 2010 gives people the opportunity to combine their love for being active with causes close to their hearts.
Little Britain television star, David Walliams, swam across the English Channel in the name of charity. English stand-up comedian, Eddie Izzard, ran a seven-week 1,000 mile marathon starting in London. Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell rowed from England to France, cycled 1,000 miles to Spain and swam the final 14 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. His extraordinary acts raised an outstanding 341,451 pounds.
While some participants tackle dangerous feats such as climbing mountains, simple tasks can make just as big of an impact. The Sainsbury Sport Relief Mile is an easy and effective way of getting involved, without the need for a dare devil mentality. Signing up for the walk entails finding sponsorship for one mile, three miles, or six mile runs. Over 100,000 people participated in Sport Relief 2009.
Students at Oxy have rallied under a similar mission, using their sports skills to raise money for a good cause. In late January and early February, Oxy students held the very successful Tiger Triathlon. A swim fundraiser started by University of Redlands athletic director Jeff Martinez inspired the event.
Students who participated in the triathalon swam, biked, and ran to raise money for Haiti relief efforts. Thirty people participated to raise a hefty $3,800 for Doctors Without Borders and The Red Cross International.
Elizabeth Butterick, the assistant coach for the women’s basketball team, was the brains behind the project. She hopes to make the event a yearly tradition, raising money for causes as needed.
The efforts of events such as Sports Relief 2010 and Tiger Triathlon are taking steps toward raising global awareness about poverty.
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