Last week we may have brought you the cliches and stereotypes of five-a-side football but all joking aside, the guys and girls from Sodexo Ireland did themselves proud over the weekend by playing for 53 hours straight in Portlaoise.
In order to raise money for three Irish charities supported under the Sodexo’s global Stop Hunger campaign, 15 men and one woman played a competitive indoor match for a ridiculous 53 hours non-stop, kicking off at 10.05 a.m. on Friday 21 June in Portlaoise and finishing yesterday at 3:05pm.
The 16 strong panel of players suffered a couple of injuries along the way and ended the event with only 14, but with a staggering final scoreline of 695-601. Top goalscorer was David Rauca who put 181 into the back of the net.
Following the success and unique nature of the event, they are hoping that their teams’ efforts will net a final total of €20,000 to be split between Barnardos, Irish Cancer Society and St. Vincent de Paul, the three Irish charities supported under Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Campaign.
The whole event involved thorough and extensive planning. Volunteers were required from around the country, such as physios, time keepers and photographers. Sportswear company O' Neill's provided gear for the occasion, and other major food and beverage companies provided refreshments throughout. Elsewhere, publicity was required, and the likes of former Irish international Richie Sadlier and 2FM's Hector O'Heochagain were on hand to promote the event in recent days and weeks.
Sodexo Prestige Ireland are now just awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records to have their efforts verified and recognised as a genuine world record. The previous Guinness is record stands at a paltry 43 while the unofficial record is 52. Both those have now been broken.
If you would like to contribute to these worthy causes you can do so at http://www.mycharity.ie/event/sodexo_soccer_world_record/
via sodexoprestige-ireland
hat tip: Barbara Elliot
