Community Clubs Development Officer for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Sam Horner along with Leeds City College Curriculum Leader Chris Barr will be taking on the The Great Glen Canoe Trail Challenge across Scotland this summer to raise money for community Rugby League Clubs
Starting on 27th July, the 65 mile journey crosses Scotland in five days taking in both Loch Lochy and Loch Ness beginning in Fort William in the West and spending on average around eight hours on the water a day, before finishing in Inverness in the East on 31st July.
The Great Glen Canoe Trail is one of the UK's greatest canoe adventures that requires skill, strength, determination and wisdom on the water and will provide an exhilarating challenge for the duo, who are hoping to raise a good amount from sponsorship to support the community clubs of Leeds.
All funds raised by Sam and Chris will be directed towards Community Rugby League Clubs in Leeds that Sam has worked closely with over the last 8 years in his role as Club Development Officer, building up strong and personal relationships with clubs to provide a better Rugby League environment for thousands of young players to enjoy the sport in the local area.
Sam Commented:
"As a former amateur player and someone who works closely with the community clubs in Leeds all year round, I really wanted to raise some money to continue their development by providing funds that can help to supply kit and equipment.
"Our community clubs are the backbone of Rugby League and without coaches and parents giving up their time and money each week, we wouldn't have so many kids enjoying the great game of Rugby League.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge, it will be hard and a real challenge but great to see some of the amazing countryside as we kayak through Scotland. I hope we can get as many people to sponsor us for the challenge as possible because the money raised all goes back into Rugby and will help clubs massively to provide for their players from as young as under 7s right through to under 16s."
Sam will be joined on the journey by close friend, Chris Barr who works in Education at Leeds City College as a Curriculum Leader in Land Based Studies.
"Me and Sam have known each other for years and are both big advocates of providing support for our next generation of students, young people and the community. added Chris.
"To give something back to the community clubs is a fantastic opportunity because Rugby clubs provide great experiences and enjoyment for so many kids and achieve this mainly from being self funded. If the money raised can go towards supporting the clubs with some equipment and then it will have all been worth it."
Sam, Chris and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation would like to encourage everybody to get behind the challenge and help to raise lots of money for our Community Clubs in Leeds.
To sponsor the pair with an online donation and find out more about the challenge visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/communitykayak