York sport societies triumph as Challenge Week 2024 raises £40,468

Posted on 28 March 2024

From Saturday 9 March to Sunday 17 March, 15 sports societies at York took on a series of challenges to raise essential funds for their clubs and 'raise their game' in advance of Roses 2024.

The week-long event saw clubs engaging in an impressive array of challenges to raise money such as a 24-hour danceathon, a 'Say Yes' day, a football-themed bakeoff, matches against alumni, as well as many more.

The clubs garnered significant support from the wider community of staff, students, alumni and friends of the university, with a total of £40,468 raised from 1449 donors. 521 voluntary ambassadors helped throughout the week too by spreading the word on social media. 

These funds will play a pivotal role in supporting the needs of each sports club. Causes include covering transport and competition costs, financing coaching expenses, reducing membership fees and bolstering preparations for the upcoming Roses tournament against Lancaster university in May. As the Women's Football team wrote, 'Your donations will enable us to keep our doors open to all, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant footballing community.'

Many contributors left heartfelt messages of support over the week on the Challenge Week website's donor wall. Here are a few of the messages:

'Ballroom and Latin is something that has made me so happy when I was going through a hard time. It's something that keeps me healthy and I think it's great to raise money for an amazing cause so others can also have the chance to dance in the future.'

'From aged 6, Meg loved to play football and throughout her school years, football brought her friends and gave her confidence. UYWAFC has not only continued to give her those things, but has also been that support when she was homesick. Thank you xxx'

'What a fantastic team! The UYWCC is such a deserving club with a powerful message to promote women and girls in sport. It has given a home to my daughter, a first year student who was so scared to start uni, and all she talks about now is cricket.'

Overall the week highlighted the transformative potential of both university sport and philanthropy in bringing people together, enriching lives and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

For more information on this year's Challenge Week, you can visit the Challenge Week website. If you would like further information or have any questions, please email jessica.roehricht@york.ac.uk