Africa-Press – Gambia. In a powerful display of international solidarity, the Star Up Foundation and Rush Academy have once again come together to deliver vital donations to the young football players of the Bakau community. What began as a partnership in 2024 has now grown into an inspiring annual tradition of shared commitment, hope, and empowerment.
Veteranos del Pilar CF and CEF Puertos Las Palmas, both clubs from the Canary Islands, have reaffirmed their dedication by donating a new shipment of football kits, training equipment, and essential materials to Rush Academy. The donations were received with overwhelming joy and excitement by the young players, who rely on these resources to pursue their dreams both on and off the pitch.
One of the most touching contributions was the donation of a bicycle and safety helmet for a young athlete who walks nearly 20 kilometres round-trip several times a week to attend training sessions. This single gesture represents the profound impact of solidarity, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring an entire community.
In 2024, STARUP Foundation President Sonja Arup, affectionately known by her Gambian name Sona Mariama, pledged to secure a partnership between a Canary Islands club and Rush Academy. This commitment resulted in a meaningful Memorandum of Understanding that has strengthened ties between both football communities. Since then, Veteranos del Pilar CF and CEF Puertos Las Palmas clubs, which belong to the same football network, have sent yearly shipments of donations, always received with heartfelt gratitude.
Sonja Arup personally delivered this year’s donations and held a live call with the president of the club in the Canary Islands and Rush Academy team. Based in the Canary Islands, the Star Up Foundation this year’s campaign was made possible thanks to the generous backing of the Port of Las Palmas Foundation, allowing the shipment of two 40-foot containers filled with donations bound for The Gambia.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Sonja Arup President of Star Up Foundation, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation Port of Las Palmas, BINTER, the Gambian Association in the Canary Islands, the Embassy of The Gambia in Spain, the Embassies of Spain in Senegal and The Gambia, the Government of The Gambia, GFRS, Fire Fighters of Gran Canaria and to the entire STARUP team in the Canary Islands. Their commitment and generosity continue to change lives in The Gambia. Through unity, compassion, and shared purpose, we are empowering and inspiring young athletes and building bridges of friendship between nations.”
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