funds for child refugees raised

funds for child refugees raised

A small charity that helps refugee children in South Sudan sent a group of runners to compete in the Folkestone half-marathon on 24 September.

The half marathon has raised over £380,000 for good causes since starting in 2006.

The charity, Green Kordofan, aims to bring sports to children which form the majority of the 70,000 people who have taken refuge in camps in Yida, South Sudan.

“Sport can bring a culture of peace and teamwork and boost self-esteem in young people. We hope to ease some of the children’s discomfort and, hopefully, reduce violence,” says Gibreel, herself a refugee: she studied agriculture development at Reading University but when the political situation changed in Sudan she sought and obtained asylum.

The team included three international runners: Siddig E Ibrahim, general secretary of the Sudanese Athletics Federation, whose talent-spotting skill has had a huge influence on the selection and training of Sudanese athletes in the last decade; Abdul Abdulaziz, a Sudanese athlete based in Qatar, who recently ran in the Cardiff marathon for the Birmingham-based Birchfield Harriers; and Libyan runner Othman Abdulgadir.

“This race was a perfect opportunity for local runner keen to share their passion with people in less fortunate circumstances”, added Gibreel.

Participants enjoyed the half marathon, even in the burst of warm September weather, and many are keen to do it again next year. 

For more information:
Web: http://www.greenkordofan.com/
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @GreenKordofan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenKordofan/

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/green-kordofan/sponsorteamgk