This year a group of players have decided to take on a challenge which will help them raise money for charity, as well as ensuring that they don’t put on any off-season pounds!
Dragons centre Rhodri Gomer Davies is taking a group of coaches and current and former players on a cycle challenge around Wales.
“Following the trip last summer of some of our squad to do voluntary work in Nairobi, we wanted to do something this year to help those same children as well as some Welsh charities,” said Gomer Davies.
“Starting on the 5th of June 2010, 15 players, coaches, physiotherapists and friends will begin this gruelling challenge around Wales. I will be joined by Dragons wing Aled Brew, Dragons coaches Colin Charvis and James Knight; former Dragons player Richard Parks, the region’s video analyst Will Precious and X Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts amongst others.
“Passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in the World will be of little consolation to our tired bodies. Our focus will be solely on the 10 metres of tarmac in front of our noses!
“The cycle ride will be supporting Spring Valley Primary School in Nairobi which accommodates pupils who may have been directly or indirectly affected by amongst other things, AIDS, drug abuse and malnutrition.
During a trip to the country in the summer of 2009, several players and staff of the Newport Gwent Dragons rugby squad, assisted in the construction of a new toilet and shower block on the grounds.
“Our aim this year is to raise a substantial sum of money to fund the building of an extension to the school. This will help to swell the number of pupils attending from the current 220, and accommodate more of the thousands of local children who desperately require food and education.
“Closer to home, we will also be supporting the Wales Air Ambulance, the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice, North Wales
“Obviously we want to raise as much money as possible, but if you can get to any of the points on our route to cheer us on, that would be fantastic. The supporters have really been the 16th man this season at Rodney Parade and that encouragement on the road would be amazing,” he said.
The full itinerary of the tour as well as details on how to sponsor or support the trip is available at www.cyclechallengewales.co.uk or by emailing Rhodri at rodgomdav@hotmail.com
If any rugby fans are interested in joining the trip, please get in touch
