Steve Forsyth’s appeal for unwanted sports kit for Gambian runners

Report by Don Hale

NWRRC member Steve Forsyth this week praised the support of local runners as he launched his appeal for any unwanted or spare sports kit for underprivileged young athletes in Gambia.

The popular and talented runner, who has recently returned from his homeland overseas after visiting family and friends, is hoping to collect as many items as possible for numerous promising young sportsmen and women in Gambia, who desperately need any surplus trainers, t-shirts, running vests, socks, shorts, gloves, hats, scarves or even any unused gels!

Many youngsters are said to be busy training for a variety of local races in Gambia including the forthcoming Banjul marathon events but have limited protective shoes and sports clothing.

Steve appeals: “Wanted please, your surplus, or no longer used, men’s and women’s trainers, together with any other unwanted sports gear. I am sending them to Gambia for young people who can’t afford trainers, or any other sports kit.“

He only launched his appeal online last week but says he has already been amazed by the immediate response, and generosity of runners, and praised the support of running clubs, veterans, individuals, and groups, plus park runners, who have since donated numerous essential items.

Several donations of kit have been received this week from North Wales Road Runners members, Bernie Jones from North Wales Cross Country League, and his friends at Cheshire Dragons, in addition to Gog Triathlon members, and many Conwy parkrunners, and supporters.

Steve will continue to collect sports gear for another week or so, before travelling back to Gambia, and intends to be at the RSPB site at Conwy Parkrun again this Saturday (March 26) for anyone who wishes to donate any other welcome items.

He is also trying to encourage his club and Conwy to form some sort of twinning association with the Gambian Police running team and has even suggested creating a future or potential exchange plan for young athletes.

He added: “More kit is urgently required, and people can be assured that all the kit donations will be logged and recorded by the Gambian Police team who will then help allocate and distribute everything to needy athletes. Nothing will be wasted, and it they will help so many young people to be able to run, train, and compete properly.”

*Steve can be contacted via Facebook.