Half-time took a twist against Colchester United with the Ladies shooting challenge...
On Tuesday 12 March 2013, at Coventry City’s match against Colchester at the Ricoh Arena, half-time took on a twist as the ladies’ team attempted the L200 challenge to raise money for women living in poverty around the world.
The fundraiser was part of Coventry City and Coventry City Ladies’ joint efforts for Oxfam’s Get Together campaign, in the month of International Women’s Day on 8 March.
The money raised will go directly towards projects which help girls in impoverished communities get access to education, change attitudes about violence against women, and provide business training so women can earn enough to feed their families.
The half-time fundraiser involved the L200 challenge – to kick a football into the back of a Mitsubishi truck. Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, the striker for the ladies’ team, took part in the challenge. She got the ball in, and her efforts secured £50 for Oxfam’s projects with women.
Courtney said: “I wanted to help out, because women worldwide have fewer opportunities and less access to education than men. I believe that football is a great way of promoting gender equality and raising awareness about these issues.”
The L200 challenge, sponsored by Oak Tree Garages was one of several fundraisers the club organised for the Get Together. CCFC had a dress down day in their offices on Friday 8th March (International Women’s Day) and held a bake sale. The club also gave part of the profit from the football shirts sold this week to Oxfam. In total the club raised £156!
The Get Together is supported by Sky Blues in the Community, who aim to use sport as a tool for health, education and inclusion, for people from all backgrounds.
Guy Rippon, of SBITC, said that Oxfam’s initiative resonates with their own local objectives. He said: “Coventry City Football Club and Sky Blues in the Community are really keen to help support and promote International Women’s Day. Football has become far more inclusive over the last 10 years or so, with football supporters and crowds made up of people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds and genders.
"Supporting events such as Oxfam’s campaign for International Women’s Day demonstrates our commitment to equality and opportunity for all, and fits well with the ethos and values of Coventry City Football Club and Sky Blues in the Community.”
Anyone can host a Get Together in their own home. Christian Duck, from Oxfam, said: “It’s not too late to get involved! If you’ve been inspired by Coventry City’s efforts, why not host your own sporty fundraiser in your local park? Sign up on our website before 22nd March, to take part.”
To sign up and access more information about the Get Together project, go to www.oxfam.org.uk/get-together.