Between May and August 2010, intrepid cyclist Steve Hall will be pedalling between all 92 football league clubs in England and Wales. The sole aim of this mammoth ride is not to raise money, but to create much needed awareness for the world's 45 million refugees, which is a huge global issue.
Steve started his long cycle ride on the 19th May on London, finishing there on the 18th August - that's three months and almost 3,000 miles! To really turn up the heat, he will also complete the challenge on a "refugee’s budget" of just £20 a day. An expert in PR and marketing, Steve felt that the best way to help refugees was not by shaking a charity tin but by taking on a challenge that will get people's attention and raise the awareness that is needed to truly make a difference.
This challenge was first inspired by Bjorn Heidenstrom, a friend of Steve's who is currently cycling from Oslo to South Africa. Along their routes, Steve and Bjorn will be collecting football shirts old and new to create the world's biggest shirt, which will on display throughout the World Cup in South Africa this summer. If successful, this shirt will become a Guinness World Record and the project has already received support from FIFA and UEFA.
From the likes of our own Bury FC, Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona to the smallest level 7 football clubs in sleepy villages, everyone is getting involved. The project has had an unbelievable reception from media coverage such as TV, magazines, radio and support from celebrities such as Richard Branson, Elton John, Iron Maiden and Slade. Steve’s sponsors currently include Virgin Active, thebestofbury, Bury FC, Ecademy and "The Shirt" shirt.
You can get involved in this brilliant project by searching your wardrobe, your car boot or the wash basket for any football shirt, no matter what condition it is in. Every shirt tells its own story which is why it will be photographed and added to www.theshirt2010.co.uk, before it is sewn together to make it into the record books! So how else can you help? As Steve will be taking on this monumental cycle ride with just £20 a day to cover food and accommodation, if you have a spare bed or sofa to offer you would be making a big difference. Steve is seeking more sponsors and friends to support his journey, as without them the challenge would not be possible. Local knowledge is also of the essence to meet football fans and collect those all important shirts, so wi-fi access and advice will be appreciated. Create a stir in your local town by contacting radio stations, charities, newspapers, schools, churches and most of all, tell your friends!
For more information or to get involved please visit www.theshirt2010.co.uk
