On the 8th April 2017, ITRM supported the Upbeats Day alongside the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, for the third year running.
15 ITRM team members joined 200 other supporters on the annual 9 mile sponsored walk through South East London, from the CAFC training ground to the Valley, helping raise over £20,000 and awareness for the Charlton Upbeats team.
The walkers were all greeted at the Valley by an excited team who went on to win their game against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Community’s Down’s Syndrome team 5-0!
The day was topped off as Charlton players Declan Rudd, Chris Solly, Ricky Holmes, Nathan Byrne and Jay Dasilva gave their match-shirts from the match to the Upbeats.
Carl Krauhaus, CACT Head of Early Help & Prevention said:
“It was another fantastic day for the Upbeats. The Charlton family really came together to support this fantastic programme. I’m really grateful to all the walkers, club legends, sponsors, community trust staff, staff at the club, fans and members of the local community who have donated and supported the team.”
“Their generosity means that we can continue to bring the joy of football to the local Down’s Syndrome community and their families.”
Over 170 people with Down’s Syndrome from across South East London and Kent are registered with The Upbeats with 40 regular attendees every week. The programme specialises in providing a progressive and safe environment for players of all ages to reach their full potential. There is a clear pathway from young players who are learning the basic skills in the game up to senior competitive football.
The project receives no external funding, relying on individual donations to continue.
Donations can still be made to the Upbeats by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/charltonathleticcommunitytrust/charltonupbeatsday2017 .