Make 5th July a 10K Day to support Leeds Rhinos Foundation

On Sunday 5th July supporters and former Rhinos players should have been coming together to do the Leeds 10k as the Run with the Rhinos team, but with the event now postponed until 22nd November Leeds Rhinos Foundation still want people to make 5th July a 10K Day but in whatever way they want.

Supporters are being asked to choose their challenge to fundraise for Leeds Rhinos Foundation, it could be a run, walk or cycle or joining together with mates to break the number down to make it a team effort.

Leeds Rhinos legends, including Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Jones-Buchanan have pledged to take to the streets close to their own home to run 10k on the day, but many others will be taking on different challenges to reach the 10k, whist pledging £10 to the charity.

Bob Bowman, Chief Operating Officer for Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: “Run with the Rhinos is always one of our favourite events of the year, and a vitally important fundraising opportunity.  Whilst we are disappointed not to be joining runners from across the city on the 5th July, we have seen over the last few weeks the creative ways that we can do things on our own, but still being connected to our wider community.

“We have decided to ask our supporters to still come together to join us for a 10K day, from their own homes or local area, to take part in the event.  We have seen so many people have used this time in lockdown to start running or other forms of exercise and this would be a great goal for them to test themselves.

“We appreciate that running might not be for everyone, so we are opening the event up to everyone and if you want to walk, row or cycle the 10K you can or if you can think other ways to join in using the number 10 as target that would be great too – the more creative ideas the better.  We want this to be an all inclusive event, bringing together former players, trustees, supporters and staff.”

To take part all you have to do is set yourself a challenge and donate £10 to Leeds Rhinos Foundation via  uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Share your stories on social via using #Rhinos10KDay

Everyone who takes part and shares their story will be in with a chance of winning a number of prizes including a signed Leeds Rhinos shirt and a behind the scenes experience for two at a future Rhinos home game.

Former Leeds Rhinos player Brett Delaney, who now works with Leeds Rhinos Foundation will be joining the virtual team on the 5th and said the fundraising event will be important to help the charity continue its work in the community.

“Leeds Rhinos Foundation play such an important role in the city and I have been proud to join my colleagues in recent weeks to volunteer during the current health crisis to support some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.

“As a player I could see the impact the charity had in the community game when I attended projects such as coach education or taster sessions with young players to introduce them to Rugby League, but now working with them I have seen that their work goes much further.  From myself, whose work involves working in prisons to tackle the issues of reoffending to other projects such as educational courses with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and health initiatives such as Try Club, the charity does so much to support people across the community and I am proud to support them in their ambition to change lives through sport.”

Everyone who takes part in the virtual 10K are asked to donate £10 To Leeds Rhinos Foundation so they are able to continue to deliver their work in the community in the future.  The event is open to people of all abilities and participants are encouraged to nominate their friends and family to do their own 10K Challenge.

Bowman added: “This is a challenging time for everyone, and in particular charities who have had to cancel many of their fundraising events.  The event on the 5th July and the Leeds 10k in November will be hugely important for us in raising money so that they are able to continue our work to support people in the city.

“Many of us have been living in relative isolation for the last few months, so we hope this will be a way of bringing our wonderful supporters together, albeit it at a distance, and doing a challenge together that will be a vital lifeline for our charity.”

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