Derby High pupil joins Adam Peaty for marathon challenge

The challenge was organised by the Perfect Day Foundation and raised thousands for young Zambians

Posted by Julian Owen | November 24, 2017 | International

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A Derby High School student took part in a marathon challenge to teach schoolchildren in Zambia 50 hours of sport over five days with Olympic Gold medallist, Adam Peaty.

Abi Hymas, 16, of Uttoxeter, was invited to be part of the trip, organised by the Perfect Day Foundation, by her former swimming coach Mel Marshall from Derby City Swimming Club.

Mel, who is patron of the foundation, led a team which undertook 10 hours of sport per day for five days at five different locations in Lusaka and the surrounding communities over the summer.

The team also raised thousands of pounds, which will go directly to improving educational opportunities, making a real difference to the lives of young Zambians. 

“We were in a different place each day teaching sports such as volleyball, netball, basketball, football and we did triathlon too. It was tough as it was so hot, the temperature was around 35 degrees. We worked with Adam Peaty which was amazing and it was the first time I’ve been to Zambia,” said Abi.

This was the 12th year of the ‘Volunteer Zambia’ project, which sends out dozens of students each year to deliver coaching, build new sports facilities and undertake sports development capacity building programmes across Zambia.