David Grey, chairman of the Sheffield City Trust (SCT) group is set to continue his challenge to tackle 60 sports in six days after kickstarting the experience today.
David, 60, will try his hand at a vast range of sports at SIV venues across the city. His first day consisted of a variety of ten different sports – weight lifting, indoor rowing, spinning and para table tennis at English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS); curling, figure Skating and speed skating at iceSheffield; Diving at Ponds Forge; wheelchair rugby at Northern General; and karate at Concord Sports Centre.
David said: “Ten sports down and 50 more to go. The ‘survive the 60’ challenge is certainly a daunting experience, but after my first day I feel more than ready to face the rest of the challenges.
“I feel honoured to have more than 60 sports available to me at my doorstep thanks to the fantastic facilities SIV has to offer.”
David was accompanied by Olympic diver Freddie Woodward at Ponds Forge and athletics coach Toni Minichiello, who will continue to support him throughout the week.
The challenge forms part of a wider campaign, the 60/600 Challenge, which is the brainchild of Julie Brailey, wife of former SIV CEO, Steve. For her 60th birthday, Julie decided that rather than throwing a party, she would create an initiative to raise money for a cause close to her heart, the Alzheimer’s Society, and ask 60 people to raise at least £600 for the charity.
David continued: “Julie Brailey has created such a unique and inspiring initiative to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and so far I’m enjoying my experience and had a great start to the week.”
Julie added: “I have been overwhelmed by the wonderful response to the 60/600 Challenge and we have already far surpassed our original fundraising target – it demonstrates the kindness and determination of everyone involved.
“The challenge David has set himself is really exciting and will be quite the endurance test, but I’m certain he will continue to do brilliantly throughout the week.”
A selection of sports which David will be taking on over the course of the week include golf, water polo, basketball, snooker, roller derby, gymnastics and cheerleading.
SIV is part of the not-for-profit organisation Sheffield City Trust (SCT) which has the primary objective of improving the health and wellbeing of Sheffield people by providing facilities for sport and leisure activities.
For more information about 60/600 challenge or to raise money for the cause visit: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/60600challenge
