MEMBERS of Hopwood-based Kings Norton Rhinos children’s Rugby Club raised over £1,000 for charity as they scaled Mount Snowdon earlier this month.
It was an aptly-named fund-raiser for the club as their efforts were in aid of Save the Rhino International.
At 3,560 feet, Snowdon is the highest peak in England and Wales and, with the majority of those taking part being under ten-years-old, it is a credit to their training regime that they had the fitness and stamina to complete the nine-mile return trip in just six hours.
In fact, a few of the children commented that it was only the presence of coaches and parents which prevented them from putting in a better time!
Although their day began in glorious sunshine, conditions deteriorated shortly after the halfway stage as thick cloud meant very slow going.
On more than one occasion the coaches found themselves rounding up the children using their referees’ whistles as visibility dropped to just a few yards.
However, all made it safely to the summit and, by the time they returned to the bottom of the mountain, the sunshine had returned with such force that they all took an impromptu swim in the icy cold waters of Lake Padarn at the foot of the mountain.
Kings Norton Rhinos are part of Kings Norton Rugby Football Club, based in Ash Lane, Hopwood, and provide safe rugby coaching for girls and boys of all ages.
They meet for tag training every Friday from 6pm throughout the summer, with normal 10am Sunday training resuming at the end of August. Newcomers are always very welcome.
Save the Rhino International works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. If you would like to show your support visit www.justgiving.com/rhinosdosnowdon.
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