#24STR8 | Why We Walk
At midnight tonight, I will be setting off on a 24 hour walkathon to raise awareness and funds for our mission here at equitysport to make global sport fairer.
equitysport was founded on the principle belief that every human being is born equal; equal in status, equal in rights. The right to access opportunity and participate fully in life should never be determined by race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, socioeconomic status or country of origin.
When sport re-entered modern society, thanks in no small part to the reestablishment of the Olympic Games in the late 1800’s, it actively sought out ways to be held accountable to society, to act in servitude of wider aspirational values, of meritocracy and above all else, fairness and equality.
As sport has grown and evolved, we have long celebrated its power and influence as a force for good. From community projects to mega sporting events around the globe, sport has brought us all together, celebrated our differences, and honoured humankind’s greatest physical feats. For the briefest of moments in a busy world, sport has the potential to show us the very best of humanity.
equitysport exists to put those values front and centre again. To ensure that sport continues to answer to a higher calling, one not inhibited by pragmatism or cynicism, but guided by the belief that no-one should have poorer life chances or less opportunity because of who they are or where they come from.
We exist to see sport embody our most optimistic form of idealism, a global institution set on achieving the impossible, no matter what challenges lay before us.
We’re working to see sport expand and adapt to a new world and new normal, to see it work ever harder to include not exclude, to provide opportunities to the under-served and the underrepresented, and to show wider society what can be achieved when equality and fairness form the foundations of growth.
As I set out at midnight, and for each step for the following 24 hours, I’m walking for anyone who’s ever had their opportunities in sport determined by anything but their talents and I invite you, wherever you are in the world to show YOUR support for those principles by joining me, donating whatever you can spare and by helping us reach the biggest audience possible by sharing the challenge across your networks.
Together, let’s make global sport fairer.
Follow the walk from midnight HERE.
Due to lockdown and COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, my 24 hour challenge will be taking place on a treadmill in a hastily constructed studio in my house, and will be live-streamed via YouTube and on our website for our amazing supporters.
The #24STR8 challenge, made possible by the support of LMEQ, coincides with the international day of giving, Giving Tuesday, something that started in the US back in 2012 as the antidote to the mass sales events of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day. Each year since 2012, Giving Tuesday has broken the World Record for charitable donations in a single day.
Giving Tuesday is a frantic day for charities across the world at the best of times, but following a tough year for the sector, the importance of the day can’t really be overstated - charities big and small, local and global, new and old will be competing for your attention, your generosity and your support.
Every donation to equitysport will make a huge difference in 2021 and beyond, allowing us to:
Double down on our commitment to improving collective understanding of inequality in global sport through research and public information campaigns.
Expand our targeted advocacy programmes to ensure sport lives up to its promises, particularly to underrepresented groups.
Establish a path to real and effective legal recourse to tackle instances of discrimination and provide a powerful voice to the underrepresented and underserved in sport.
Grow our capacity building programmes to democratise sport, break down knowledge silos and better distribute resources, wealth and opportunity in sport.
equitysport is a UK-registered charity (1189559) that exists to advance equality, diversity and equal opportunity in and through global sport. Through free-form development, education programmes and targeted advocacy the charity seeks an inclusive and equitable sporting ecosystem that lives up to the true values of sport.
Notes to Editors
For further comment or interviews, please contact the team via: hello@equitysport.org