University of York rises to the challenge for Sports Relief

Written by AU President Jo Carter

Following the huge success of Sport Relief in 2006, a Mile event will be taking place on the university campus on Sunday 16th March. Last time a staggering 400, 000 men, women and children did a Mile for Sport Relief – including Prince William who ran at Sandhurst, giving his royal seal of approval. Places are limited so people are encouraged to sign up for the Mile as early as they can.

This time Milers can choose to do 1, 3 or 6 miles, so can select the distance that is a challenge for them and make sure they get sponsored while they do it. Visit sportrelief.com/themile for the latest details of the event and to sign up.

Sport Relief harnesses the power and passion of sport to change lives for the better. By doing sport, having fun and raising money, everyone can do good and feel good. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives, both at home in the UK and in the world’s poorest countries.

We’re delighted that the university has been selected to host this exciting event. We’re looking forward to seeing hundreds of residents taking part, getting sponsored and raising money for Sport Relief. As it happens biannually and coincides with the away year of Roses, if this year is a resounding success then we will look to make this a fixture in the university calendar.

The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile sits at the heart of the Sport Relief Weekend and is the ultimate way to get involved. As well as in York, Mile events will take place in over 200 other locations across the UK, so you shouldn’t have to travel far to take part.

Every club can do their bit. The Athletic Union Exec are taking part in a 24 in 24 challenge (attempting to play 24 sports in 24 hours) and the Octopush club are looking to swim a mile underwater, pushing a puck for the distance. We’re also looking for clubs and societies to get involved in the day – whether to play music along the route, help raise money or to steward the course. Whatever you do, make sure you raise cash while you do it and help someone to turn their life around.

TUNE IN

The whole of the BBC will be behind Sport Relief - delivering brilliant entertainment across TV, radio and online. Nine weeks of sporting fun across the UK will culminate with The Sport Relief Weekend - an action packed three days of entertainment, events and energy designed to challenge the entire nation from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th March.

A team of sporting stars have already lined up to show their support to the national campaign, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Zara Phillips and Darren Gough.

Last Sport Relief saw David Walliams swim the English Channel in just 10½ hours, while 12 brave stars learnt to show-jump for ‘Only Fools on Horses’. Take a lead from their example and challenge yourself, your family, friends and colleagues to do something sporty and raise cash at the same time.

GET KITTED OUT

Whether you’re a Miler or just want to show your support, kit yourself out in a pair of Sport Relief Socks available from Sainsbury’s stores from 13th February and from sportrelief.com or Bannatyne’s Health Clubs from 15th January. Priced at £2, at least £1 will go to Sport Relief. Keep a look out for other official Sport Relief merchandise in Sainsbury’s or on sportrelief.com from 13th February.

For more information on Sport Relief 2008 and to get involved visit sportrelief.com.

For more information contact: Jo Carter – Athletic Union President 01904 433430 au@yusu.org

Notes

• Rise to the challenge for Sport Relief by doing the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 16th March. Visit www.sportrelief.com to find out more or enter by post: fill out an entry form - call 0845 605 8000 for a kit (Calls cost no more than 4p per min from BT landlines. Other operator and mobile rates may vary).

• There will be over 200 other Mile events across the UK. Details of these can be found at www.sportrelief.com.

• To make a donation, call 08457 910 910 (calls cost no more than 4p per minute from BT landlines. Other operator and mobile rates may vary)

• Since its launch in 2002, almost £50 million has been raised through Sport Relief

• Comic Relief spends the money raised to help vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.

• Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568

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