SOS Kit Aid is a charity
organisation that distributes both new and second-hand rugby kits
to children all over the world, with the support of World Rugby.
It was founded back in 2001, by rugby dad, John Broadfoot, who,
whilst during a trip to Romania witnessed a smiling 8-year-old
boy running with the ball under one arm, whilst he used the other
arm to hold up his shorts. John wanted to do something about
this.
John knew that his sons had several pairs of boots and other kit
lying around at home, and so, to test out the potential, he
collected kit from ten schools, to see how much was available on
a wider scale. The test was an outstanding success and so SOS Kit
Aid was born.
Handing over the kits to the Solomon Islands Rugby Union
Federation (SIRUF), High Commissioner His Excellency Thomas
Coward said:
Rugby teaches children values and teamwork. The Solomon Islanders
Rugby Union Federation Get into Rugby programme frames this
through its approach to Respect, Integrity, Solidarity,
Discipline and Fun. Rugby is a great bridge between our two
countries and brings us all together.
Receiving the kits on SIRUF's behalf was Secretary of the
Executive Board, Angikinui Francis Tekatoha who said rugby has a
long history and they have been developing the sport in Solomon
Islands. He added:
Our partnership with the British High Commission supports our Get
into Rugby programme, Get into Rugby Plus and Rise Rugby. Our
most recent rugby development programme is focusing on women,
young people and schools so the gifts you are giving us today
will be used in those programmes for training. The donation of
kit deepens the partnership between the Rugby Federation and the
British High Commission.
