HEADMASTER CHRIS STEVENS TO TAKE ON THE MUMBAI MARATHON IN JANUARY TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE OSCAR FOUNDATION’S 2025 UK TOUR

In October 2025, 18 OSCAR boys will embark on a remarkable journey to the UK, including a stay at Bradfield College, where they will immerse themselves in academic sessions, tackle challenges on the CCF obstacle course, learn to swim and compete in a friendly football match. This dream can only be realised with the help and support of the Bradfield College community.

2025 will be the Oscar Foundation’s third visit to Bradfield. In October 2018 we welcomed 15 Mumbai girls from the OSCAR Foundation’s ‘Kick It Like A Girl’ Tour to the College as part of a life changing football programme which marked the beginning of a new partnership for us. In 2019 we were visited by an under 17 boys’ team and, following the pandemic, in Autumn 2023, we welcomed a mixed OSCAR touring team back to Bradfield. It was a very successful visit which proved to be as enriching for our own pupils as it was for the visitors, including a visit to Bradfield from Oscar International Patron, HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh and a visit for the touring side and their Bradfield Hosts to No 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister.

The Headmaster is going to kick-start the fundraising for OSCAR’S 2025 Tour by competing in the Mumbai Marathon in January but the College will be running a number of other fundraising initiatives throughout the next year about which we will keep you updated. Funds raised by Bradfield will cover the cost of the trip, whilst also supporting Oscar’s Community Learning Centres, a critical resource for over 10,000 children. By donating, you are not just contributing to a tour, you are empowering children with hope, education and opportunities to lead change in their communities.

“I had the pleasure of visiting the OSCAR Foundation, in Mumbai, early this year and was both humbled and energised by what the team has achieved; their positivity and enthusiasm was infectious. I was also completely taken by the vibrancy of the bustling city and, in a moment of nostalgia (and utter madness), decided it would be wonderful to experience the city once more but this time as a marathon runner and therefore accepted the OSCAR team’s encouragement to run on their behalf, representing the College! The Tata Mumbai Marathon takes place on 19th January 2025 and we are going to use this opportunity to kick-off our whole College fundraising initiative for OSCAR’s 2025 UK Tour. I am signed up, so there is no backing out, and am well underway with my training. Given current temperatures in the UK, I am not sure whether to be relieved or alarmed that the race itself promises to be considerably warmer! Thank you, in advance, for your sponsorship. I will keep you updated on my progress.” Chris Stevens, November 2024