(2008-08-28) This year’s annual Red and Blue Bowl will mean much more than just winning the Argo Cup for the York Lions and UofT Varsity Blues.

As the rivals prepare to face off on September 13 at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, they are already facing off online – in a fundraising challenge for Athletes for Africa.   

The two teams have jumped on board to support A4A and our  ‘Be an Athlete for Africa’ campaign. All funds each team raises will support programs that empower youth in Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Visit www.myathletesforafrica.com/varsitybluesfootball or www.myathletesforafrica.com/yorklionsfootball to see team players as ‘Athletes for Africa’ and make a donation!

(2008-08-10) It’s a skip across the pond for Athlete for Africa Chris Pozniak, as he continues to support youth programs in Uganda, Sudan and the DRC with a $100 donation for every win his team makes.

Last week, the former member of the Vancouver Whitecaps signed a one-year deal with the Dundee Football Club, part of the Scottish First Division.  

Already, the Canadian international, 27, has raised $700 during his time with Chivas USA (MLS) and Vancouver Whitecaps (USL).

He was offered the deal with Dundee FC after taking up an offer to play with the team against Ross Country, where the Dark Blues took a 2-1 victory – a win that will add another $100 in support of Athletes for Africa’s programs.

“[Chris] has good experience and, like most players from America and Canada, is athletic and has a great attitude to his work, so I’m delighted to be getting him,” Dundee player-manager Alex Rae told the media.

Visit Chris’s campaign page to follow his successes,
or read the reports of his new deal here and here.

With participation from 40 to 50 players and nearly $1000 raised, the Athletes for Africa/GuluWalk soccer tournament went down with great success at the University of Western Ontario in London on July 12.

“Everyone really respected each other and just had fun, especially knowing that their love for football [soccer] can be used as a tool for change and awareness,” said Jessica Cudney, one of the organizers and participants.  

The organizing committee is also responsible for the city’s participation in GuluWalk, Athletes for Africa’s lead campaign, taking place this year on Oct. 25. Jessica described the team of volunteers: “We are a committed group, each with different backgrounds, experiences and aspirations. We all have one thing in common, and that is a love for humanity and a desire for change,” she said.

A storm rolled through the area toward the end of the day, and the final game, the championship, was cancelled. Even better, said Jessica: “Every team was a winner.”

View their fundraising page here