Two cyclists from Kent Sport at the University of Kent are getting on their bikes to tackle the National Children’s Football Alliance (NCFA) Peace Ride to the Belgian town of Ypres on Saturday 23 March in order to twin the University’ sports pitches with the peace field in Belgium.

Oli Prior, Head of Physical Activities and Lee Thompson, Outdoor Facilities Manager are proud to be riding from the first University Peace pitches in the UK and twin them close to the World War Memorial to the Missing in Ypres.  Taking part in the ride will further cement the legacy of the pitches at the Canterbury campus. On arrival at Ypres, the pair will lay a ceremonial Poppy Football at the Menin Gate Memorial at the daily 8pm ‘Last Post’ service.

The NCFA’s Peace Fields project aims is to raise enough money to send a team of team of children from India to the 2019 Global Peace Games in Messines, Belgium.  To support this cause and back Oli and Lee, please make a pledge on the charity’s Crowd Funding page and be sure to include a word of support for Oli/Lee or the University of Kent so the charity know who you are backing. Alternatively, Oli and Lee have their own Just Giving page so you can pledge your support there.

Kent’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Karen Cox said: ‘I am delighted that the University is supporting this great cause and event. I send my very best wishes to all those taking part in the ride and look forward to hearing about the outcomes of the project later this year.’