WeSwim’s Post

A charity is breaking down cultural barriers in order to help women from the Asian community in the West Midlands to enjoy the benefits of regular swimming. Opening Boundaries – a non-profit organisation that operates campaigns globally – is staging four weekly women-only swim sessions at Wordsley Primary School and Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge. The sessions regularly attract more than 80 participants of all ages and abilities – including three generations of one family. The success of the swimming project, developed with the support of Swim England, was recently heralded on the national stage with a nomination at the Sporting Equals Awards. Breaking down cultural barriers was key to the project’s success. “Some Muslim women dress conservatively and going swimming was always difficult for them as they don’t want to be seen,” says volunteer Farah Ahmed, whose sister Halima created Opening Boundaries in 2015. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eP-qE2YX #swimming #equality #sport #womeninsport

On #givingtuesday I am asking my network to consider giving to the US Women's Rugby Foundation (a non-profit organization run by all volunteers). The USWRF is committed to the growth of Girl’s and Women’s Rugby through the advancement of Coaches, Referees, and Administrators. These are the leaders and the influencers of our rugby community. We need these strong and smart rugby girls and women in our construction industry. We have 3% women in trades that get asked everyday why construction?... just like we are asked, why rugby? Where your money goes... to date we have paid for over 100 coach and referee certifications, as well as travel grants to participate in immersive learning and mentoring opportunities like for Carolyn Roach, M.Ed. This year we also payed for travel and childcare assistance for Kittery Ruiz, Head Coach the USA Rugby U20’s European Tour summer of 2024 to be able to travel with her daughter and not have to choose to be either a coach or a mom. The stats - Research shows that female executives are more likely to have played sports than those in non-leadership roles and are more likely to hire other women who have played a sport. 📊 74% of female execs believe playing sport can help accelerate a woman's career potential 🏅 The top three leadership skills developed by sport include: the ability to see projects through completion, motivational skills, and team-building ✅ 52% of C-suite executives played sport at university level or above https://lnkd.in/e87nVjSc #queenofprefab ❤️👑👠#rugbymom #donate #womenssports Lisa Kelly Danita Knox Amy Shopkorn MaryBeth Mathews Mary Money Jennifer Stratton Patti Matheny Joel Hutchines Larysa Santiago Cora Bales Andrea Brankin Andrea Hovey

Getting started with my Big Row!! Link below

North Midlands team helps to widen rugby participation in Hinckley 🏉 A #Hinckley-based rugby club has secured a £5,000 donation from our North Midlands team, helping them to widen youth participation through its Rugby4All scheme. Hinckley RFC received the funding as part of our Community Champions initiative to support the Rugby4All scheme. The scheme is tailored towards young people with disabilities and creates an accessible environment, enhancing physical and mental well-being, social interaction alongside creating a sense of belonging within the community. Weekly sessions feature various physical activities, also serving as social hubs. These sessions are led by qualified coaches and volunteers and includes mentoring program where local school students build positive relationships with participants, aiding their life skills development and providing mentors with valuable experiences. Our donation will allow for the scheme to continue to provide this opportunity for the local community. A cheque presentation was hosted to mark the event, with visits from Dan E., Managing Director at North Midlands, Tom Pugh, Commercial Director at North Midlands and Cllr Michael Mullaney, Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Also attending the event was Vicky Macqueen BEM, Commercial Manager at Hinckley RFC. Vicky had previously competed in the England Roses Ladies’ team and was Director of Rugby at Leicester Tigers Ladies’ team. #PersimmonHomes

Ever feel like you're swimming against the current? We know the struggle is real. That's why we're cooking up something special for you! Stay tuned, we've got a few things to help you go with the flow. #ComingSoon #NonprofitLife #DoGoodFeelGood #StayTuned #NonprofitSupport #ChangeMakers #Gowiththeflow

MEET THE TEAM! We're entering a team into this year's UK Challenge raising money for www.beefysfoundation.org As they are in the midst of some intensive training 😉 let's shine a light on them and celebrate their dedication and commitment to winning. Today's team member is John Hanson, we asked him a few questions so you can get to know a bit about him... 1. Why did you decide to do the UK Challenge?  To ensure Chris Luckham OBE survives the challenge(he’s looking a bit chunky these days) – patrol medic certificate is packed. 2. What are you looking to get. out of it? A free hydration kit and friends for life! 3. Which bits excits and scare you the most? Watching Chris try do a brain puzzle – should be an interesting study for the follow on to Sapiens! 4. What training are you doing for the event? Cycling/running. 5. What other 'challenge' do you like doing in your spare time? Camel tracking and surfing. There'll be more introductions to our team as we near the event! #ukchallenge #beefyfoundation #teamwork

LAST CALL for the PRF ‘PARALYMPIC ATHLETE TRAVEL & EQUIPMENT’ GRANT Fact: Not every para athlete receives all the funds they need. A gap in funding is a common distraction and worry when they should be totally focused on training and competition. Are you: 👉 a para rower representing your country at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris? 👉 in need of funds for essential para rowing equipment for the Games? 👉 in need of funds for travel to Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to compete on the world stage? 😁 Yes? Then this is the grant for you! Para Rowing Foundation is an independent non-profit supporting athletes from ANY NATION to fulfil their potential in rowing. PRF remove barriers to allow athletes’ full focus on training and competition. We do this in several practical ways, including cash grants (like this one, up to US $1000). Apply today for the PRF ‘PARALYMPIC ATHLETE TRAVEL & EQUIPMENT’ GRANT now (https://lnkd.in/eMzyXMwF) or at ParaRowingFoundation.org PRF look forward to receiving your application (before midnight EST tonight). Bonne chance! #ParaRowing #Paralympics

Back in 2022, I reached out to Media Fight Night, not knowing what I was getting myself into. At the time, a heavy smoker, weighing in at 18 stone, and feeling stuck. Seeing peers post about their own journeys into the ring every year on LinkedIn sparked something in me—I thought maybe boxing could be a way to reset, get fit, and shake things up a bit.   But what I’ve learned has gone so far beyond that initial goal.   When I first stepped into the gym, it was rough. My footwork was off, I could barely throw a jab, and everything felt unnatural. I was nowhere near “fight-ready.” But somewhere in the process, boxing became more than just a fitness goal; it became a powerful routine that tested and shaped me. It was the ultimate reminder that we can always improve with effort, discipline, and resilience.   Now, with just days to go, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. 24ish months of training come down to a few rounds in the ring, and knowing I’ll be out there with all eyes on me is intimidating. The idea of facing my opponent, Dory Tse, who’s trained just as hard, is a lot to think about. But despite the nerves, I know that every tough training has prepared me for this. I’m ready to put it all out there.   The discipline this journey has taught me is something I carry with me every day. I wasn’t chosen for the squad in 2023, which was hard. Many people train all year and don’t make the final 16. Starting over after that was tough, but the desire to return better has been my biggest motivator. If anything, boxing has taught me that resilience is everything. The injuries, setbacks, and long training hours have shown me how much you can overcome when you commit fully to something.   As the fight draws closer, I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring and giving it my all—not just for myself, but for Carney's Community and the amazing support they offer to kids in South London who need a guiding hand. If you’d like to support us, please consider donating to our fundraising page; your generosity means the world to all the boxers and charity and your words of encouragement are a massive motivator. https://lnkd.in/dznGBK4U   Thanks to everyone who’s been following this journey. Now, it's time to see what these months of training can really do. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a win on November 7th! 🥊💪 If you haven't heard, as I know, tickets are gold dust, the event will be streamed on YouTube (I'll pop the link in the comments). A final shout-out to this year's incredible squad ❤️ , coaches and support system: I'm going to take a couple of days off to get my mind in the fight zone. Dory Tse Charlotte Ford Nicole Hansen Hannah Marshall Mira Childerhouse Gareth Cross Xavier H Keenan Wayne Mensah Mark Burborough Paul Evans Kenny Maxwell Jamel Green Seun Odeneye DJ Agahi John Maloney Ashley Newman Sarah Jolicoeur   #MediaFightNight2024 #BoxingJourney #Resilience #MentalToughness #SupportSystem #CarneysCommunity  

Professional Footballers Australia has unveiled its latest report, Footballers’ Trust: Five Years of Player Impact, which details the work of its charitable arm, the Footballers’ Trust. Since 2019, the Trust has donated $500K in player donations to human rights organisations, inclusion initiatives, and football programs. The report highlights key initiatives championed by players, including: 🟢 Investment in Indigenous participation through John Moriarty Football and the Australian Indigenous Football Championships;  🟢 Support for Australian Blind Football, Transplant Australia Football Club and the Pararoos and Paramatildas to reduce costs for athletes attending national training camps and international tournaments; 🟢 Annual support for Pride Cup, promoting LGBTI+ inclusion in the A-Leagues; 🟢 Supporting anti-racism education in football and in schools through Reflect Foward;  🟢 Contributions to Australian Sports Brain Bank to enable research into the impact of concussion on footballers; 🟢 The Socceroos’ support for humanitarian causes; and 🟢 $50,000 in support funding for the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team, providing vital wellbeing and career support to players. https://lnkd.in/gx-GfFcJ

🌊 Join Us in Making a Difference! 🌊 We're thrilled to share an inspiring initiative that combines athleticism, philanthropy, and community support. Pascal Ducray, an accomplished athlete, is taking on an extraordinary challenge: swimming across the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe to Africa to raise funds for the CP Family association, which supports children with cerebral palsy. 🗓️ Dates: July 22nd - July 30th, 2024 (depending on the weather) 🏊♂️ Distance: 16-17 kilometers  ⏱️ Target Time: 3 hours and 50 minutes About CP Family: Led by Sarah Bathfield, CP Family is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by cerebral palsy. Through various forms of support and advocacy, they provide essential customized equipment like adapted wheelchairs to enhance mobility and independence for children. Why Support This Initiative?  By contributing to this cause, your company can play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of children with cerebral palsy. This project aligns perfectly with CSR objectives by demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, community support, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. How You Can Help: 👉Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with us to showcase your company's dedication to social good and community support. 👉Individual Contributions: Every donation, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. 👉Spread the Word: Share our campaign with your network to help us reach more people and maximize our impact. Ready to Make a Difference? Click the link to donate and support Pascal's swim for CP Family: https://lnkd.in/duXS8rKB Together, we can empower these children and make strides towards a more inclusive society. Thank you for your support! 💙 #CSR #CerebralPalsy #Charity #Philanthropy #CommunitySupport #PascalDucray #CPFamily #Inclusion #CorporateResponsibility