"This challenge isn’t about me, it’s about the young people who deserve better access to inclusive community sport"

Endurance athlete and Access Sport Trustee, Matthew Dawson, is preparing to take on a world-first solo challenge this summer in a bold effort to raise funds to support us in our ongoing mission to make inclusion the norm in community sport.

On 23 August, Matthew will circumnavigate the Isle of Wight three times in 72 non-stop hours, once by swimming, once by cycling and once by running.

In total, the challenge covers over 310km, breaking down into:

• 100km open water swim
• 105km road cycle
• 107km ultramarathon run.

Matthew has supported us since 2013, when he first raised money completing his English Channel solo swim. Matthew truly believes that sport can change lives and that it should be a basic right for everyone.

Matthew also wholeheartedly believes that the work we do, supporting disadvantaged children to get involved in community sport, as well as working with local communities to build sustainable clubs, is exactly what is needed to help combat many of the social problems of today.  

As a key part of our team, Matthew is taking on this unprecedented feat to support us as we continue to grow and reach more young people. The money raised will help us reach our ambitious goal of supporting 50,000 young people annually by 2027.

Matthew commented:

“This challenge isn’t about me, it’s about the young people who deserve better access to inclusive community sport. Every donation helps create safe, welcoming spaces for children who’ve been left out for too long.”

The challenge has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Inov8, Moorlake Campervans, Ruislip Appliances, RS Marine Group, Seaview Yacht Club, and PredictWind, who have all played a vital role in helping Matthew prepare for and attempt this extraordinary feat.

Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive of Access Sport, added:

“Matthew’s commitment to pushing the limits for such an important cause is truly inspiring. His efforts will directly help us reach more children who are currently excluded from the life-changing benefits of community sport. We’re so proud to have him taking on this challenge for Access Sport.”

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