RICHMOND, VA - (Monday, June 30, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce plans to once again team up with Sports Outreach Institute, Inc. to host the third annual Gifts For Gulu Night, benefiting the children of Northern Uganda, during their next home game on Saturday, July 12th. Register for a free youth clinic before the game and enjoy a night of professional soccer when the Kickers take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at 7:00 pm at the University of Richmond Stadium. Purchase $5.00 tickets at the gate with the donation of new and gently used clothing, soccer equipment and uniforms to benefit the children of Gulu.
Kickers defender Kevin Knight has made several trips to Uganda over the past three years, which prompted a clothing and equipment drive for the children in need, specifically Northern Uganda. While there, the veteran defender saw first-hand the devastation from the civil war after visiting a small refugee camp just outside of Gulu. Home to over 13,000 people living with no running water in mud huts with thatched roofs, there was little to no food available and most children did not have any clothing.
• Click HERE to read a personal letter from Kevin Knight
Free Youth Clinic
A free youth soccer clinic will be held on the field prior to the Kickers match at 5:00 pm, presented by Spring Run Presbyterian Church for children ages 6-14. Spring Run Presbyterian Church (www.springrunpc.org) is located in Midlothian and is active in the community. They will provide a free pizza party for all clinic participants at the stadium following the clinic. A special $3.00 ticket to the Kickers pro game can be purchased by clinic participants and their family members in advance. Clinic participants are encouraged to bring new and gently used clothing, uniforms and soccer equipment to benefit the children of Gulu. The clinic is limited to the first 100 registrants. Registrations must be received by Tuesday, July 8th. Game ticket required for stadium entry.
About Gifts For Gulu
Gifts For Gulu is sponsored by Sports Outreach Institute, Inc. a 501C non-profit, non-denominational organization based in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It has been working in Uganda since 1987 and currently employs 28 full and part-time national staff in Uganda. The fundamental purpose of Sports Outreach Institute, Inc. is to identify and train committed Christian leadership in the effective use and understanding of sports ministry.
About The Conflict In Northern Uganda
For the past 20 years, the people of Northern Uganda have endured a conflict involving the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the government of Uganda. More than two million people (90% of the population) are now displaced and forced to live in squalid internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. These camps remain largely unprotected and vulnerable to LRA attacks and abductions. The LRA has kidnapped more than 30,000 children from their homes. An estimated 25,000 children, known as “Night Commuters,” throughout Northern Uganda, commute nightly to sleep in town centers or temporary shelters in order to avoid violence and abduction. For the displaced, life in the camps is extremely difficult as the overcrowding and poor sanitation condition found in the camps has led to massive health concerns. The protracted nature of this conflict has created a humanitarian crisis that is among the world’s worst. For more information about how to support these children in need, visit www.GiftsForGulu.com.
