As part of our new Charity Friday we are looking at 2 more charities that do a lot to help with the health and fitness opportunities for many people, namely, Oxfam and Access Sport.
Oxfam
Oxfam is now an international movement that consists of 14 different organizations that operate in 98 countries around the world. Oxfam works with large scale health projects helping those in the most desperate need. It was founded in 1942 and it started as charity for campaign for famine relief during the Second World War for those trapped behind allied blockades.
Oxfam does most of its fund raising through charity shops and also has many fund raisers each year who run the London Marathon.
To learn more visit their website, Oxfam International. They also have a series of Oxfam International Blogs where they highlight news and events from around the World as well as talk about their projects.
Many people organize physical endurance events around the World to raise money for Oxfam. The latest one that we are aware of is the 100km walk in Australia as part of the Oxfam Trailwalkers. One example of a small group that are doing their bit is the Foreign Legion team in Australia. You can find their TrailWalking fund-raising page here: www2.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/Melbourne/team/350
Access Sport
Access Sport is a UK charity that quite simply helps people to access sport. It’s motto is “Transforming lives through sport”.
Access Sport was founded in 2004 and funds sports clubs and training to children in disadvantaged areas of the UK. They have many ambassadors from British sports and athletics who campaign for them, such as James Cracknell (Olympic rower with Sports Science degree), David James (ex England goalkeeper), Josh Lewsey (British Lions, England and London rugby), Mark Foster (champion swimmer) and Dr. Steph Cook (Pentathlon Champion).
What Do Access Sport Do?
Access Sport uses sports to engage young people in healthy activities and to help get kids off the streets where they may fall into gangs. It provides young people with much needed role models and gives them the resources they need to pursue a variety of sports. In towns such as Bristol it has helped to set up boxing clubs which have resulted in a marked reduction in local gang problems, similar to the results discussed here in Martial Arts Classes Teach Children Self Discipline and Improve Character.
Access Sport runs SportsJam events which showcase many sports at public festivals.
They also raise money through bike rides, charity runs and the Access Sport Gym Challenge, as well as an annual dinner event and sports quizzes.
Visit their website www.accesssport.org.uk to learn more.