Kit Us Out is a brilliant new charity that works to provide sports equipment for disabled athletes in developing countries, who might otherwise not be able to compete.
The charity began in the build up to the 2012 London Paralympics when its founder, Alex Mitchell, who had been working as a Gamesmaker, came across two athletes from the Ivory Coast who didn’t have the correct running shoes. He bought them each a pair and word of his actions spread. Mitchell was joined by three fellow Gamesmakers and at the 2012 Games, only in its fledgling stages, Kit Us Out provided kit for 60 athletes from 16 different nations.
Since then, Kit Us Out has gone from strength to strength and has now finished the process of registering as a formal charity. They’ve gained support from Paralympics GB, the International Paralympic Committee and many influential Paralympians such as Dame Sarah Storey and Ellie Simmonds.
In the future, Kit Us Out plans to work with developing countries around the world to create strategic partnerships that will identify athletes in need and get the kit to them. The charity aims to level the playing field and allow for everyone, no matter where they come from, to have an equal opportunity to participate at the highest level.
It’s a simple idea that can make a huge difference. As Mitchell says: “This is not about providing prosthetic limbs or high tech sporting equipment. We’re talking about running shoes for people who would otherwise train and even compete bare feet or in shoes of the wrong size, or getting goggles to protect swimmers’ eyes. It’s simple stuff that can make a huge difference.”
Here at Blue Badge Style, we think that Kit Us Out is a great idea. We’ve always strongly believed in getting as many less able people involved in sport as possible and support anyone trying to help make that happen. You hear a lot about ‘the legacy of the 2012 Paralympics’ but it’s great to actually see those words being put into action, which is what Kit Us Out are doing.
We wish them all the best for the future!
To find out more about Kit Us Out and how to donate you can visit their website.
