Seven rugby coaches travelling to Zimbabwe aim to use the power of the sport to break down social barriers and educate underprivileged children.
Next Thursday (April 2), the group from the Epping Upper Clapton rugby club will travel to Victoria Falls to a remote primary school and spend 10 days coaching tag rugby to children of all ages.
The trip, which has been arranged with charity the Tag Rugby Trust, aims to help and educate children about a range of issues.
Children enjoy a game of tag rugby in 2013
One aim of the group, which includes a teacher from St John’s school in Epping, is to aid integration between boys and girls by encouraging both to play the non-contact sport together.
The children will also be educated about the damage of wildlife poaching, through visits to rhino reserves.
The rugby club group will bring sport equipment with them, and will also be donating other items including clothes and school equipment.
Danny Elmer from the Epping Upper Clapton club gets involved
Epping Upper Clapton vice president Danny Elmer has previously joined a Tag Rugby trip, in 2013.
He said: “I found it very humbling to be out there if I am honest.
“You do not realise how these children live and you just want to help them all of the time.
“They are lovely kids and it was a really humbling experience to help them.
“It changed me as a person when I came back, I was more tolerant and more thankful for what I have.”
Danny Elmer and students in 2013
He added that one of the most rewarding aspects of the project is bringing communities together through sport.
He said: “There is a lot more involved than just rugby coaching.
“The kids are fantastic, they do not have anything – no shoes, or socks, but they are wonderful kids and they run around all day long.”
For more information about the Tag Rugby Trust, visit its website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here