Join the sporting elites for an epic Rugby Challenge
05 February 2020
Orbis have kicked-off their new Sport with a Purpose Expedition, in time for the 6 nations. This time with former World Player of the Year Ollie Phillips!
The 5th installment of Orbis Expeditions' 2020 Sport With a Purpose programmes will be The Orbis Rugby Challenge, a 7 day rugby focused challenge working with the inspirational Bhubesi Pride Foundation (BPF).
Lead by Former Rugby 7’s Captain and World Player of the Year, Ollie Phillips, the expedition will include a 7 day rugby focused challenge working with the inspirational Bhubesi Pride Foundation (BPF).
On the expedition, you’ll spend four action packed days coaching and playing rugby with students from local primary and secondary schools which are part of the foundation’s development programme.
Bhubesi Pride Foundation work has steadily evolved as children and staff from six primary schools and three secondary schools are now involved in seasonal activities led by a locally employed development officer.
In 2018, BPF purchased a 7-acre plot of land from within a rural village area and the aim of this year’s challenge is to raise £13,000 to build a full size Sports Field at the Centre’s HQ, which will act as the focal point for all on-site training at the Academy.
The expedition’s first four days will be spent assisting the local rugby Academy in coaching sessions, visiting local primary and secondary schools and meeting the communities and local coaches they are supporting.
Other activities include a riverboat safari up the Shire River to Liwonde National Park, where you will have a chance to see elephants, antelopes , hippos and crocodiles. Lunch at Mvuu Camp, overlooking the river and enjoying the total peace, solitude and uninterrupted sightings of some of Africa’s most incredible wildlife.
The final few days will be spent on the shores of Lake Malawi with a community secondary school and youth group working to find sustainable solutions to enable their community to develop. Participants will take a village walk to the permaculture garden, visit the early literacy programme, spend time with the final-year students and of course have a chance to teach them some rugby!
Ollie Philips
Ollie is a former professional rugby player. He combined successful careers in both the 15-a-side game and also the Olympic version of the game, Rugby Sevens. Ollie captained England Sevens and was named 'World Player of the Year' in 2009 while also pursuing a professional career in 15s with four clubs in England and France, where he was voted 'Overseas Player of the Year' in 2011.
Since retiring from rugby, Ollie has volunteered as a charity ambassador, raising in excess of £2.5 million to date. Ollie currently works as a Director at PwC in London and in 2018 set up 'Optimist Performance', through which he works with companies and individuals by speaking and consulting in the core areas of Teamwork, Leadership, Resilience and Change. Ollie is also currently the holder of 5 Guinness World Records and is proof that anything is achievable with a little motivation, courage and leadership.
To join him in the Rugby Challenge by booking through the Orbis website here.