When I first heard about Play for Water Netball Event, it instantly became something I wanted to be a part of. The small act of playing a game that I love, that had a massive outcome- clean drinking water for people in Uganda. Play for Water really hit home for me, when I heard about the small children and the task of fetching water vs learning at school. All children have a right to a fun, rich childhood, with their basic needs met. I am so blessed to be a part of a community that I value and have many friends. It was so easy to reach out to my friends and create a team, what I didn’t expect was the volume of supporters, 1 team turned into 7 teams. The netball community became so invested, that we just kept making more teams. Play for Water is a fun day out for sport lovers and families. The joy of watching our own children cheer and celebrate their parents on the court is a gift I don’t think Ripples for Change Uganda realised they gave us. Play for Water was coordinated and managed by volunteers, received donations for raffles and prizes from local businesses, other people donating their time and skill all for the basic right to have access to clean drinking water. Play for Water was an inclusive event that allowed all skill levels to participate. Creating these events serves all communities, Uganda received clean water, we received the knowledge of how we can all make a difference. It doesn’t take a lot to contribute in your own way. All contributions lead to these significant outcomes that we have the joy of watching through Ripples of Change Uganda’s videos. I am looking forward to the next Play for Water events and encourage you all to be a part of something that is so special. Come participate any way you can, when you see the real outcomes for real people, it worth every minute, every effort. Clean Water is just the beginning.
Anne-Marie Foxwell
Play for Water Participant