Marathons and swim-a-thons.
You don't need to look hard to find people who are challenging themselves physically for charity. In April this year more than 36,000 people took part in the London marathon, which is now one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.
The organisers claim it is the largest annual fundraising event in the world, with participants in 2006 raising more than Dh287 million for charity. From famous marathons, to community-orientated events such as sponsored walks, it is evident that there is an intrinsic link between physical challenges and fundraising, but what is it that makes this combination so appealing?
Feel-good factor
The physical and mental benefits of exercise are well documented. A recent survey by the UK mental health charity 'Mind' revealed that more than two thirds of respondents said that exercise relieved their symptoms of depression.
This lift in mood following physical activity is scientifically explained by the release of the 'feel-good' chemicals endorphin and phenylethylaime in the body following intense physical activity; these chemicals are said to produce feelings of euphoria. Therefore, exercise is an essential lifestyle choice for those who seek mental well-being.
Team Dubai
Adding the charity element to physical challenges seems to heighten this sense of satisfaction, hence the psychological advantages are numerous: "The 'feel-good' factor that you experience from exercise becomes two fold" explains Fiona Wells, member of Team Dubai, a group of likeminded friends who challenge themselves physically for charity.
"The second high comes from knowing that you are helping others far less fortunate than yourself, perhaps people who would really love to do what you are doing but who are physically unable to, or those who will benefit from the funds being raised", says Wells.
Team Dubai is currently organising a 24-hour swim-a-thon, which is scheduled to take place from October 26 through to October 27.
Team Dubai swim-a-thon's aim is to make sure that the pool is never empty, with at least one member swimming at any one time during the 24 hours. All the funds being raised will go to the newly forming UAE Cancer Support Group, a local initiative that has been set up to aid people with cancer.
A sense of responsibility felt towards the charity that is being supported is something that helps spur on those taking part in the challenge. Not only do you get the feel-good factor from the actual exercise itself, you are also being motivated and pushed further by the knowledge that you are supporting a good cause.
Happier life
"The added incentive of being able to raise money in pursuing that aim gives one greater purpose and determination to complete that challenge, as well as the responsibility you have to your sponsors," Wells further explains.
Physical challenges for charity therefore also have the advantage of motivating an individual to achieve his/her fitness goals, as knowing that a less fortunate person will benefit from achieving the goal gives that extra incentive to carry on. Julie Amer, founder of Mountain High, a company that specialises in organising physical challenges, agrees.
"Physical challenges and fundraising make such a great combination as it's a win/win situation. The participant realises one of their goals and helps others to reach their goals or have a happier life," says Amer who founded Mountain High in 2003. Since its establishment, the company has organised many events in support of charity.
In 2003, 16 women raised Dh180,000 for the Al Tawam Hospital in Al Ain for their Mobile Breast Screening Unit fund, by trekking to the Everest Base Camp. In August, they supported a team of seven women who took part in the world famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala dressed in saris; part of this trip was a visit to two orphanages with sports clothes being donated during the visit on behalf of Go Sports.
Paula Mulligan, who was part of the team that went to Kerala, believes that in addition to the heightened mental sense of well-being and motivation, there are also strong social benefits from taking part in these events.
Competitive spirit
Mulligan has been involved in triathlons for over ten years and has always enjoyed sports that challenge her physically, but ensures she keeps this very social by training and competing with her husband and friends.
"An important facet is spending some time with people who may not generally have much to break their daily routines," says Mulligan.
"Most people seem to have some competitive spirit, whether it's an internal thing where they want to get fitter faster than they are, or whether it is actually about beating another person or team. These public races give us motivation and inspiration to train or bond with team mates."
