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In August 2013 I was fortunate enought to travel to India to witness and write about the work of Magic Bus. I visited re- settlement colonies and slums in Delhi and Mumbai, where children and young people can face limited access to education, gender- based discrimination, poor health and sanitation, and restricted employment opportunities.

Magic Bus uses sport to mentor the children and young people of these communities by delivering messages on health, education and gender during cricket, football and handball sessions. Through these games, children are taught about the importance of attending school and looking after their own health. Mixed sessions engender a mutual respect between girls and boys and challenge some of the traditional stereotypes.

I was very heartened by the work I witnessed. The children are mentored by youth leaders who come from the communities they serve and who have witnessed the challenges first hand. The sports sessions are lively and fun. They provide safe spaces to play and give children the opportunity to access their basic human right- to be allowed to play- whilst teaching simple but important life- skills. I saw very real examples of young people who, through involvement with Magic Bus, had broken out of the cycle of poverty and are now leading successful and fulfilling lives.

I thought that a sports- based challenge was fitting to help support this Sport for Development Organisation. My challenge is to complete one event per month throughout 2014. I plan to run, swim and cycle my way through the year through a series of 5km and 10km runs, a half marathon, three triathlons and two open- water swims!

I am not a natural athlete so please cheer me on by helping me support the valuable work that Magic Bus is doing throughout India. 

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