Former Down GAA star set to Plant For The Planet in Africa

Former Down Senior Football captain Kevin McKernan has teamed up with Warriors For Humanity, Self Help Africa and the Gaelic Players Association for the Plant For The Planet Games.

Taking place in Kenya from November 19th to 27th, the historic games are the brainchild of Warriors for Humanity founder and former Galway dual player Alan Kerins and will feature 50 male and female Inter-County Gaelic Games players from all four codes.

The aim is to highlight the impact of climate change and raise sufficient funds to plant one million trees in Africa.

Each player participating in the games has committed to raising €10,000. The funds raised will go to Self Help Africa to support the planting of trees, essential not only to combating the increasing impact of climate change but also as a way of providing sustainable income for local communities.

The players will take to the field for a challenge match at Nairobi Rugby Club, the first time an Inter-County game will be played in Kenya. The trip will include representatives of all four codes: Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football. In addition to the games, the players will also take part in a series of cultural events to highlight the work being done by charities such as Self Help Africa and Brighter Communities Worldwide in the country.

Founder of Warriors For Humanity and Plant the Planet Games, Alan Kerins said: “It is incredible to have fifty warriors for humanity signed up, each one committing to raise funds in support of what is one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime, that of climate change. This campaign, from which some of the world’s most vulnerable communities will benefit, will leave a lasting legacy in more ways than one, improving quality of living both in the present day and for future generations. This will also be the first time inter-county players will take to the field against one another on Kenyan soil, and we are hopeful that, along with the funds raised, this significant milestone will leave a lasting and positive impression on Kenya’s communities. As it has in many countries around the world, Gaelic Games has an ability to bring communities together for a greater good and we are sure this campaign will be no different.”

CEO, GPA, Tom Parsons, said: “At the GPA, whilst we know that Gaelic Games are a huge part of the lives of our members, a key element of our role is to empower inter-county players to realise the bigger picture beyond sport. We are therefore delighted to partner with the Warriors for Humanity and Self Help Africa. Not only will the campaign allow the players to come together and experience something entirely different but in doing so they will be able to leverage their influence off the field of play in support of the planet and some of the world’s most challenged communities. All of the players travelling are known for the impact they have on the field of play, representing their clubs and counties with distinction. The fundraising target for each of the players is significant and we are very grateful to all of those who have or might be able to support.”

Kevin has been raising funds for the project and if you wish to donate, you can go to the following link: idonate.ie/fundraiser/KevinMcKernan1