Rugby players aim to ‘claim’ Triple Crown!
SLIGO Rugby Players are giving themselves the challenge of running from Sligo to Edinburgh, Twickenham, Cardiff and back to raise money for the Samaritans and Sligo Rugby Club throughout the month of June.
The distance, ran virtually, will see them ‘claiming’ the Triple Crown at the end of the month.
The event started yesterday and each player is setting themselves a €250 minimum target while asking people to get on board by running the distance along with them.
Ross O’Boyle, one of the organisers, explains: “The Senior players and friends of Sligo Rugby Club have decided to take matters into their own hands, to set out to claim Triple Crown glory, and to raise some badly needed funds for Sligo Rugby Club and The Samaritans.
“On June 1st and for the whole month we are setting off to virtually claim the Triple Crown by walking and running the 2,000km required for us to leave from Sligo to Edinburgh Stadium to Twickenham to the Millennium Stadium and finally to return home before the end of the month triumphantly to Sligo! Our players will be asking people to sponsor them.”
Ross says the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a lack of sporting interests and fundraising opportunities for charities and sports teams alike. Sligo Rugby Club has had to cancel all of its traditional fundraisers which are the lifeblood of the Club.
“Coronavirus is impacting all of our lives. This crisis is the biggest challenge Samaritans has ever faced.
“Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are waiting for your call. Freephone them on 116 123.
“Everything we can raise for them will be massive towards keeping them open and ensuring their phones stay on so that they can continue to be here for us.”
He adds the Club are hoping as many people will join them on their mission. “We want to see if our supporters can beat the players and claim the Triple Crown first! We are asking you to get active.
“Go out and walk or run in your club colours, respecting social distancing and within your boundaries.
“When you are finished take a selfie with the thumbs up (Spread the positivity)! and post on your Social Story.”
Ross said the players and Club are delighted to be helping The Samaritans with fundraising and are hoping the general public will also come on board.
“We’ve worked it out that to do the distance, we will each have to do 80km a week throughout the month, so we will all help each other get there.
“It is good that we started on the Bank Holiday and we also will have the likes of Conan (O’Donnell) taking part in New Zealand and also ex members who are around the world.”
To get involved, check out the Sligo Rugby Facebook page or Instagram and post your thumbs up on your social media tagging @ SligoRFC use the hashtags #Triple Crown #SligoRFC.
If you would like to donate, you can find their GoFundMe Page by searching Walk or Run with Sligo Rugby & Samaritans.
WHATEVER YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, THE SAMARITANS WILL FACE IT WITH YOU.