Achievements to Date
Quite a lot has happened since a hypothetical conversation in 2004 about helping a third world country with sport!
Since we first stepped off the plane we all knew instantly it was going to be hard work. The first trip was very important as first impression needed to be made, as did bonds between us and the Gambians. We were touched by how much we could improve the lifestyles of these children, instead of standing around a minute shop for most of the day, these children began to smile and they all relished the chance to become part of the project.
As the trips progressed, the bonds between everybody were incredible and we wanted to take this project further and further. After the April 2004 trip we needed to do something about this and the concept of building our own sports hall was an interesting idea but could it really be done? After lots of research and hard work, we were given a quote for the sports hall. We decided to knuckle down and start raising funds.
As soon as we raised a sufficient amount to start building, the first (hand made) brick was laid in December 2004. This epic journey proved tough especially having to deal with weather and various other obstacles. Lesley and Tim introduced two new boys to the project, Sean Fitzpatrick and Jordan Harlow. This proved to be one of the few trips in which everything ran smoothly, a time where Tim and Les were touched so much that they simply had to finish this sports hall, not just for them, but for the Gambian children that had now grown to love the sport.
Since December 2004 a huge push for the funds was made and eventually raising an incredible amount of over £20,000 in just two years. Below are a few things that we have picked up along the way:
- Two New Team Members - Steve Porter and Leo Medley;
- Numerous Taxi Drivers - Tex, Carlos, Jerreh and our newest, Abbu;
- 5680 Tubes of Carlton Shuttlecocks;
- Hundreds of Hand Made Bricks;
- Hundreds of Tiles for the floor;
- Many Bags of Sand;
- Thousands of Badminton Rackets;
- Many innocent, caring, down to earth African Children;
- And Finally, a £19000 Multi-Purpose Sports Hall!
The hall is now complete, taking just under two years to configure - a fantastic achievement we think you'll agree. A huge thank You is needed for the thousands of people that have helped us along the way, from your average shopper to a badminton superstar.
Our long-term aim now is to progress the project further by creating a national team, teaching at the school itself and improving the lives of the children. We will do this by working as a committed team.
If you would like to join us, or can assist in any way, then please do get in touch as we welcome all help.