Last week, the Thomas Lyte team had the incredible opportunity to participate in and support the Sport Together Fund 24-Hour Challenge. This inspiring event brought together members of the sports industry to raise funds and awareness for refugees and displaced people worldwide. As we cycled on spin bikes in the heart of Central London, we embarked on a symbolic journey from London to Kyiv, Ukraine, covering a remarkable distance of 1,330 miles. The challenge served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the resilience of those affected by conflict and displacement. In this blog, I will share our team’s experiences, the event highlights, and the impact we made together.
Beyond Sport’s Sport Together Fund was established to provide grants and support to non-profit organisations, sports clubs, and collectives dedicated to assisting communities impacted by conflict, displacement, human rights violations, and climate change disasters. These efforts aim to rebuild lives, foster well-being, inclusivity, and hope. By supporting the Fund, Thomas Lyte contribute to the empowerment and transformation of vulnerable communities.
The Sport Together Fund 24-Hour Challenge showcased the immense power of collaboration and determination. Teams from various organisations, including Thomas Lyte, cycled in 30-minute stints, working together to conquer an extraordinary distance within a single day. We were proud to join forces with sport industry leaders such as Sportradar, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, CSM Sport & Entertainment, Right Formula, Cake, Ear to the Ground, Two Circles, and Fifty Digital, all contributing to this worthy cause.
Thomas Lyte’s participation in the challenge took place in the evening, with some team members even staying late into the night to contribute additional miles. The camaraderie among participants during the evening rides and drinks was inspiring. We bonded and supported one another as we pedalled closer to our goal.
The Sport Together Fund 24-Hour Challenge was not merely a competition (although many of us were a little bit competitive…!); it was an opportunity for the sports sector, that Thomas Lyte are synonymous with, to draw attention to one of the most significant humanitarian crises of our time. Through our participation, we aimed to raise money, raise awareness and encourage action for the millions of forcibly displaced individuals worldwide. It was a chance to demonstrate that, even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference through sports-based initiatives.
While all those in Team Thomas Lyte, put their full support behind this cause, one member from our team on that day, Jade, already actively campaigns on the benefit of sports and recreation, in particular, boxing for mental health. As a volunteer triathlon coach myself, to me, it is clear to me that participation in sport can often grant you stability, new friendships and strong support groups. Coaching for refugees, and the training of refugees to become coaches, is something that Thomas Lyte’s donation will go some way to providing for displaced young people.
.@ThomasLyte crew closing out our agency riders for today! A huge thank you and to everyone else who traveled down to our offices in London to participate in our #SportTogether Fund 24 hour challenge in aid of refugees and displaced people globally! https://t.co/cQtayZfCz4 pic.twitter.com/08esNmQOlo
— Beyond Sport (@BeyondSport) June 28, 2023
The event held personal significance for many participants that have family and friends affected by recent events in Ukraine. Their motivation to raise funds and awareness was deeply personal. Their words serve as a reminder that even small contributions and acts of solidarity matter, as they help ensure that the voices and experiences of those affected by displacement are not forgotten.
Participating in the Sport Together Fund 24-Hour Challenge was an powerful experience that reminded us of the power of collective action. Through our physical and financial contributions, we took a meaningful step towards supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide. The event underscored the importance of empathy, compassion, and resilience in addressing humanitarian crises. At Thomas Lyte, as we reflect on this, we are inspired to continue championing causes that bring about positive change through sports, arts and craft. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our communities, and create a brighter future for those in need.
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