University Sports Centre staff take on Peace Ride to Ypres

Press Office

Two cyclists from Kent Sport at the University are getting on their bikes to tackle the National Children's Football Alliance (NCFA) Peace Ride to the Belgian town of Ypres on Saturday 23 March in order to twin the University’s sports pitches with the peace field in Belgium.

Oli Prior, Head of Physical Activities and Lee Thompson, Outdoor Facilities Manager, will ride 110 miles from the first University Peace pitches in the UK and twin them close to the World War Memorial to the Missing in Ypres. On arrival at Ypres the pair will lay a ceremonial Poppy Football at the Menin Gate Memorial at the daily 8pm Last Post service.

The NCFA’s Peace Fields project aims is to raise enough money to send a team of team of children from India to the 2019 Global Peace Games in Messines, Belgium. Donations can be made online via the following link: http://www.childrensfootballalliance.com/peace-ride/

University of Kent Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Karen Cox said: ‘I am delighted that the University is supporting this great cause and event. I send my very best wishes to all those taking part in the ride and look forward to hearing about the outcomes of the project later this year.’

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