College To Host 24-Hour Touch Rugby World Record Attempt

23rd March 2011

Members of the community invited to take part in world record attempt Touchathon, in aid of The Christie.

Wednesday 30th March will see the launch of a campaign to recruit players for a 24-hour touch rugby 'Touchathon', in aid of The Christie charity.

The Touchathon, which will take place on the 29th and 30th June at Salford City College, Eccles Sixth Form Centre, will involve over 1,000 players, both experienced and complete beginners, rotating in a game of touch rugby from 8.00am, to 8.00am the following day.  The event will then conclude with a 'Game of Hope' featuring previous cancer patients who have been treated at The Christie.

Organised by the Rugby Football League (RFL), in conjunction with Salford City College and Salford Community Leisure, and endorsed by former rugby league international, Stephen Prescott MBE, the world record attempt will be adjudicated by officials from Guinness World Records.  The aim will be to involve the most players ever in a 24-hour game of touch rugby.

Danny Parkinson, North West Regional Development Officer at the RFL, is appealing to all members of the community to get involved: "Whether you've been playing touch rugby for years or whether you've never touched a rugby ball in your life; we want anybody in the North West who wants to contribute to a world record and raise a lot of money for a fantastic cause in the process to get in touch."

Phil Arbelo-Dolan, Sports Development Manager at Salford City College, is proud to be part of the event: "The college looks to raise money for good causes wherever it can and we are delighted to be involved in this very special event.  Our students and staff have already signed-up as players and helpers and it will be a privilege for all to play their part."

A launch will take place at Salford City College, Eccles Sixth Form Centre on Wednesday 30th March at 2.00pm to kick-start the campaign to recruit players for the event and will be attended by representatives from the RFL, Salford City College and Salford Community Leisure.

Interview and photography opportunities will be available with representatives from Salford City College, the RFL, The Christie, Salford Community Leisure and Stephen Prescott MBE.