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THE MISSISSIPPI MILLION CHALLENGE COMES TO AN EXHILARATING CONCLUSION IN NEW ORLEANS
International team of philanthropists complete 2,320 mile row down the mighty Mississippi, raising awareness and nearly $1 million for Right To Play
NEW ORLEANS, LA (October 25, 2014) – Chairman of Right To Play UK’s Board of Directors and Olympic Silver medalist John Pritchard completed a 2,320 mile journey down the Mississippi River today when he rowed his hand crafted Victorian skiff, Richmond into Belle Chasse Marine in New Orleans.
Pritchard and a team of inspired philanthropists and supporters, began the Mississippi Million Challenge on August 2 in Lake Itasca, MN with the goal of raising $1M for Right To Play, a global humanitarian organization which uses sport and play to educate and empower children in disadvantaged communities around the world.
"After four years of germination and one of intense planning and preparation, it’s hard to believe we’ve reached New Orleans,” said Pritchard. “Our desire to rest weary and sore bodies was counterbalanced by the determination to finish strong and meet our fundraising goal. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m deeply proud of this team.”
Pritchard’s team-mate Paddy Broughton said, “The sheer scale of what the team and in particular Pritch has achieved is really sinking in. We’ve arrived New Orleans with heads high, a challenge met and with some great stories to tell!”
For nearly 3 months, Pritchard and Broughton have been joined by friends, family, strangers and fellow Olympians that signed up for 2 days of rowing and are fundraising to meet the $1M goal. Generous supporters motivated by Pritchard’s commitment to children around the world, will continue to fundraise through the end of the year.
“I am incredibly inspired by John’s determination to this Challenge,” said Right To Play founder Johann Olav Koss. “Having spent 2 days with him on the water in August, I know what it feels like to row 35 miles a day! John’s commitment to Right To Play is exceptional. What he has accomplished will truly help change the lives of millions of children around the world.”
The Mississippi Million Challenge was inspired by a little boy from Ghana named Richmond whom Pritchard met while visiting Right To Play programs at the Three Kings School for children with learning and physical disabilities. To learn more about John’s story and the Mississippi Million go to www.mississippimillion.com.
About Right To Play
Right To Play is a global organization, using the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Through playing sports and games, Right To Play helps over one million children learn through play to create better futures, while driving lasting social change in more than 20 countries each week. Right To Play programs focus on activities that promote health, conflict resolution, basic life skills, education, self-esteem, dignity and respect. Founded in 2000 by social entrepreneur and four-time Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play is supported by an international network of more than 300 professional and Olympic athletes from more than 40 countries. For more information, visit www.righttoplayusa.org.
THE MISSISSIPPI MILLION CHALLENGE FINISH LINE
The Mississippi Million Challenge has inspired an international team of philanthropists to row the famed U.S. River to raise $1 million for Right To Play
For the last 3 months, John Pritchard and Paddy Broughton have been rowing the Mississippi River - in hand crafted Victorian skiffs - to raise money for a global humanitarian organization called Right To Play. Pritchard is the UK Chairman of the Board for Right To Play, which uses sport and play to educate and empower children in disadvantaged communities in over 25 countries around the world.
The challenge of rowing approximately 35 miles per day for nearly 3 months began August 2nd in Lake Itasca, MN. Along the way, Pritchard and Broughton have been joined by friends, family, strangers and fellow Olympians that signed up for 2 days of rowing and are fundraising to meet the $1M goal. On Saturday, October 25th at approximately 2:00pm, the MM team will complete their 2320 mile journey when they row into Belle Chasse Marine in New Orleans.
WHEN: Saturday, October 25th
2:00pm
WHERE: Belle Chasse Marine, Alabo Street, New Orleans
About the Mississippi Million Challenge:
The Mississippi Million Challenge was inspired by a little boy from Ghana named Richmond. Pritchard was with his wife and son visiting Right To Play programs at the Three Kings School for children with learning and physical disabilities in Battor, when the lively young boy caught his attention.
"I noticed Richmond on the edge of the playfield. He had Downs Syndrome and at 10 years old—the same age as my son—he was half the size of the other boys," says Pritchard. "His personality is what really shone through. We struck up a friendship immediately and as he sat on my knee with his arms around my neck, I realized how much love and support this exceptional young boy needed. He made me realize I have a duty to try and do something that will make a change for kids like him."
He decided on the Mississippi Million Challenge. Pritchard, an Olympic Silver Medalist and former Cambridge Blue has raised over $600,000 to date. To learn more about John’s story and the Mississippi Million go to www.mississippimillion.com.
About Right To Play:
Right To Play is a global organization that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. With programs in more than 20 countries, it reaches more than one million children through weekly play activities that engage them in critical lessons about health and disease prevention, peace and community development, and helps to develop their confidence and leadership skills. To learn more about Right To Play go to www.righttoplayusa.org.