spartan Races
Warriors For matt
Sparta was an ancient Greek city known for breeding the mightiest warriors. To be Spartan was to fight, so much so that kings would claim to be the descendants of great champion demigods such as Hercules. Spartan wars are etched in history as the fiercest, most gruesome battles. You may have heard about the great battle of Thermopylae, when Leonidas resisted the unending Persian army, or Sparta’s unsinkable fleet, which assured their victory over Athens. However, you may not have heard about Spartan triumphs in the Common Era...
On the 9th of October 2022, eleven modern day Spartans challenged their psychological and physical limits in the name of Matt Ratana. Awakening early on the Saturday, these warriors travelled to the faraway land of East Grinstead where a brutal 5km obstacle course awaited them. The course included numerous dangers… the Spartans traversed soaring walls, crawled through fields of barbed wire, and lifted stones even the mighty Zeus would struggle with. No matter, the team assembled was comprised of the finest Metropolitan Police and would overcome any challenge. So, they chose to test themselves even further, deciding to compete in the race wearing their full TSG riot gear. Throughout the race, most, if not all, would come to regret their decision. On an already warm day, an additional 10kg of padding was not what the doctor ordered. Regardless, on this day, each of them grew to embody the true Spartan spirit, pushing themselves for a greater cause.
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation joined forces with Spartan earlier this year to identify new ways of supporting young people who need it most. The partnership has been a wonderful way for the Foundation to connect more with young people in the East Grinstead and Croydon area that Matt held so dear. This race helped raise funds for our “Let’s Play Rugby” programme, an initiative based in Croydon that will provide young people with the opportunity to safely learn and flourish through rugby.
Our aim is to help build an environment where people from every background can thrive. Since March, MRRF has helped 4 schools in Croydon implement consistent rugby sessions for youngsters from years 2-8. Across all 4 schools, these sessions engage around 135 participants weekly and we are adamantly committed to growing this number. We have been able to support young people who are at risk of exclusion, difficult times or on the fringe of joining gangs, and encourage them to practice self-acceptance, develop their mental strength and improve their overall self-confidence; to be the very best version of themselves.
We would like to extend a gracious thank you to everyone who donated and to the brave officers who participated in the race. Thank you, Nick, Tom, Fred, Kieran, Josh, Mathew, Perry, Nick, Alex, Thomas, and Jack. We hope to see you all for the next one.
mrrf x spartan
Further information
As a Gold Charity Partner of Spartan, we have 300 tickets to give away to some of the amazing events below. We're asking you to pledge to raise £250 for the MRRF, to support our work.
The Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation (MRRF) supports younger people, who are at risk of exclusion, difficult times or on the fringe of joining gangs, and encouraging them to practice self-acceptance, develop their mental strength and improve their overall self-confidence; to be the very best version of themselves. Funds raised by the foundation will go towards the design and delivery of community initiatives for children and young adults both nationally and internationally. The programmes will provide wrap-around support, being there for the people that need it most.
The Process
1. Create your fundraising page on GoFundraise - https://spartanmattratanafoundation.gofundraise.co.uk/
2. Raise a minimum of £100 and you will be issued with your race code via email which gives you free entry to a Spartan or Tough Mudder race - keep an eye on your inbox!
3. Sign up to your preferred race on the Spartan or Tough Mudder websites and apply your code at checkout
4. Keep fundraising until you reach a minimum of £250 (you have an extra 2 months after the race to smash your fundraising target)
5. Good Luck and we'll see you at the event!
You can register your interest and create your fundraising page by clicking the button below. For any queries or more information, please contact: info@theatlascharity.org
We look forward to welcoming you at the event!
