Events The Atlas Challenge 2020 Atlas Trek 2020 Join Jason Leonard, Simon Shaw and Nick Knowles on a mad cap adventure to deliver a Double Decker Bus converted to a mobile classroom and clubhouse for the kids in the Kibera Slum in Kenya. A Big Adventure This Challenge will be a special adventure for one Trekker, Simon Shaw. In January 2019 Shawsey met the kids we support from the Kibera Slum in Nairobi. Talking to the project leaders from the Kings Rugby Development Academy he realised that there is a big issue transporting the kids from their slum homes to the green fields of the British School. When he talked to the kids he realised that many couldn't even afford to go to school. "So it just came to me. I said I was going to get a London bus and fit it out to be a mobile classroom, and drive it to Nairobi for the kids to use." Thus the Atlas Annual Challenge Event became a Trek across Kenya, with the added impediment of a double decker bus. Jason Leonard, Atlas Chairman, will again lead the team, along with Shawsey and the DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles. We hope this unusual Front Row will be joined by other rugby champions, Atlas supporters and new friends for the 2020 adventure. When 5 days, 4 nights: Weds 22nd April to Sun 26th April 2020 Progress to Date Well... who knew that getting a bus kitted out as a classroom and all the way to Kenya would not be easy??? The project team swing between joy and despair in about equal measure. It has been HARD HARD HARD thus far, but we have a breakthrough... We have bought a bus! Budget Our fitting out budget is here, it is in Kenyan Shillings - the UK conversion is at the bottom. If you have any contacts who might be able to donate or sponsor equipment please put them in touch with us. Support our Team Jason Leonard Jason has already raised over £10k for his trek sponsorship this year through a charity Christmas Lunch and private donations. Simon "Shawsey" Shaw Raising Money from sponsorship, events and sales of signed rugby balls Shawsey's page Mark Willing Raising Money from sponsorship and events Mark's Page Neil Blewitt and Neil Baker From London Stock Exchange Group. Cycling and golf events Cyclothon Chewie & Backs Page Jim Hendley Raising money through sponsorship Jim's Page John Clougherty, Sophie Metcalfe and Sally Gillanders From Fidelity - Cycling events and raising sponsorship Clocks, Sally & Sophie's page Nick Stonley Raised over £30,000 already. What a Champion 🏆 Chris "Northy" North Our Front Row Club maestro Northy's page Nick Knowles Helping with sponsorship to get the bus fitted out. Peter (Norm) Nesbit Running the Stones Norm's page Matthew Tawse Matthew's Page Robert Nearn Rob's Page Charlie Line Working with Sonny Bill Williams to spread acts of kindness around the world Charlie and Sonny Bill's Fund Laurence Geller CBE Atlas US Chairman Atlas US ... and others Support the Team Hemingways Foundation The Hemingways team are much more than our travel partners. The Atlas Foundation works alongside the Hemingways Foundation to fund rugby and education programmes in Kenya. The hotel group was founded, and is still run, by the Evans family who have deep roots in rugby, as players, owners, and supporters from grassroots to the professional game. We are proud to be returning to Hemingways, our friends and natural home in Kenya. For more information on the Hemingways Collection please see the brochure below Balls for Bucks 🏉 Simon "Shawsey" Shaw, Lions and England Legend, is a hugely important Rugby Champion for Atlas, and passionate about our work with slum kids in his birth city of Nairobi. He is offering a free Simon Shaw Rugby Ball to people who donate to his work there. Please give generously. Find out more