Peaty, Adlington, Marshall Launch Zambia5050 Campaign for Under-Privileged Children

A trio of British Olympians – Adam Peaty, Rebecca Adlington and Melanie Marshall have come together for the Zambia5050 campaign. The event will be supported by the Perfect Day Foundation, of which Marshall is a patron.

The goal of the campaign is to raise £50,000 through 50 hours of sport participation. Shortly after the completion of the 2017 FINA World Championships, the trio will travel to Zambia on August 14 to begin the five-day fundraiser.

Each day, the volunteers will participate in 10 hours of sport. According to Swim England, the sports include netball, football, basketball, volleyball and then a grueling triathlon on the final day.

Please please please get behind this! Going to a very hard challenge but all going to an amazing cause! ?? https://t.co/RLbCyQcspu

— Adam Peaty (@adam_peaty) May 3, 2017

Marshall, the 2014 Swimming World International Coach of the Year, has been a long-time member of this cause as this will be the twelfth year for the “Volunteer Zambia” project. On previous trips, the volunteer team has helped teach sports, create athletic facilities and raise money for the continuation of sport progression in Zambia.

“On my previous visits to Zambia I have seen how valuable sport can be in enhancing the quality of life of young people who have next to nothing,” Marshall said. “I promised myself I would return every Olympic cycle and try to raise money to give them a chance to enjoy sport and learn valuable life skills. Every donation makes such a big difference to the lives of these young people.”

Each year, the money is used for different projects, but the cause is all the same. Loughborough University Director of Sport Development Tim Garfield explained why the efforts are necessary.

”Zambia is a country with major challenges; HIV has devastated whole communities and poverty is everywhere,” he said. “Despite this its young people are friendly, optimistic and many have incredible sporting talent. They love the release and joy sport provides and I am passionate about giving them better sporting opportunities. Mel’s utterly selfless efforts to give sporting chances to young Zambians who have next to nothing is inspiring.”

While there are numerous professional athletes and other volunteers from a range of British universities involved, Peaty and Adlington will represent the swimming community at the event.

Great morning spent with @adam_peaty @massivemel talking about there 50hours of sport in Zambia.Please donate text melz17 to 70070 & amount pic.twitter.com/r21tPdu56G

— Becky Adlington (@BeckAdlington) May 3, 2017

More information can be found courtesy of The Perfect Day Foundation.

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