Sunderland Stadium
The Together Through Sport campaign was officially launched at the Beacon of Light, marking a significant collaboration between the region’s five major sporting foundations, including the Foundation of Light. This initiative aims to provide sports activities for hundreds of children across the region, ensuring they receive the best start in life, irrespective of their background. The year-long fundraising campaign will be prominently featured at the Wear-Tyne Derby on December 14, with all proceeds funding free places on holiday courses and school sports sessions.
Louise Griffiths, SAFC Women’s team full back, said: “It’s really important that sport should be available to everyone as it not only helps with physical wellbeing but also mental wellbeing.”
Durham County Cricket Club coaches emphasized: “We need to make sport accessible for everyone. We can’t just have a situation where children can attend if they have the money to do so. Sport is so much more than just getting young people active, it’s about building confidence, giving them the opportunity to try something new and unlocking talents they never knew they had.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness stated: “Sport has the power to change lives, and by joining forces across the North East we can make sure every child has the chance to experience that. Together Through Sport is about breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities, ensuring no young person is left watching from the sidelines.”
Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light Chief Executive, added: “We are one of 17 housing associations across the North East and we wanted to collaborate together to invest in sports and culture activities for young people. So we worked with the Foundation of Light initially to see what the possibilities were.”
The campaign’s launch event saw participation from youngsters across the region, with SAFC Women’s team player Louise Griffiths attending and engaging in sessions with the children. The initiative underscores the importance of making sports accessible to all, not just as a means of physical activity but as a tool for building confidence and unlocking potential. The collaboration was spearheaded by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), with Gentoo, Sunderland’s main housing association, playing a pivotal role in bringing the region’s main sporting club foundations together. This collective effort aims to ensure that no child is left on the sidelines, fostering an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive through sports.
About The Author
