Ely Tigers U14s team decided to set a summer challenge to keep fit, stay in contact as a team and to raise money for a local cause and for extra equipment for the team, and generations of Tigers going forward.
The boys and coaches came up with the ‘Touring Tigers’ a 2881-mile coastal exercise challenge. This was the distance From Ely to Hunstanton then all the way around England’s coastal paths back to Hunstanton then back to ‘Cambridge commodities park’ the home of the Ely Tigers.
Steve, one of the U14 coaches set up Strava so everyone could record their efforts and inspire each other to achieve the goal by walking, running or cycling the combined 2881 miles. All the boys got involved with varied distances and activities and managed to get their parents involved, pushing the miles up. Alex and James, the other coaches got the boys recording their miles during training, keeping the boys fit and the team spirits strong.
As the summer drew to an end, the boys smashed the miles target reaching 5076 miles-2195 over target! They also hit their fundraising £2000 target meaning on their first game back they all had extra new balls and equipment to use which they had raised through their hard work during the summer.
On Tuesday 5th of October, the boys got to support Ely foodbank by shopping for over £700 worth of goods which they donated to the foodbank by with the support of the manageress of our newly opened CO-OP store on St. Marys Street, Ely, Donna Smith and Steve Smith the local CO-OP member pioneer, and a representative of Ely Foodbank Sophie Bell.
Sophie said “This is a fantastic amount of food and it’s really going to help our clients at this difficult time. As the cost-of-living crisis if affecting so many of us, we are seeing a rise in the number of people coming to us for help to put food on the table; some are regular or returning clients, but many are new individuals, couples, and families too. At the same time, we are also seeing a drop in donations, as our regular donors are having to make difficult choices about where they spend their money as well. So, to see this much food coming in really is wonderful and everyone at Ely Foodbank is very grateful.”
Alex, Steve and James said “It’s been great to watch all the boys bonding whilst keeping themselves active and supporting their mental health after what been an unprecedented few year for them. You can see how they felt understanding what all their hard work has achieved making us all very proud coaches.”
Press release from Ely Tigers Rugby Club
Photo credit: Steve Wells
You must be logged in to post a comment.