Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend returns to his roots to support family fun day in memory of Galashiels schoolboy
The event includes a 5k fun run or walk - and there's still time to get involved...
Last updated 11th Jun 2023
It's helped support the likes of Borders wheelchair racer Samantha Kinghorn, who has since gone on to win medals at the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, in addition to being awarded an MBE for services to disability sport.
And, in more recent times, the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust has also provided grants to Denholm mountain biker William Brodie, who was last year crowned Junior British downhill champion; and Galashiels footballer Ciaran Greene, who helped his hometown club Gala Fairydean Rovers win its first trophy, by scoring in the East of Scotland Cup final against Linlithgow Rose in March.
Now, today (Sunday, June 11th), a family fun day is being held at Galashiels Cricket Club - at the town's Meigle Park (TD1 1NE) - to raise money to help more youngsters in the area achieve their sporting goals.
One of the highlights is a 5k fun run and walk - with entries being accepted on the day.
And Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend - who kicked off his career at Gala - is coming along to support the event.
It's being organised by the family of Rowan Boland (pictured top), who died while playing cricket near his home in 2010 - aged just nine. His sister Kristin says supporting other young stars helps her family cope with their grief.
"Rowan was a keen and enthusiastic little sports man who, even at his young age, had already represented the town and the region at cricket," she said. "And, quite frankly, would play any sport. He absolutely loved it, and was so passionate about it.
"Sadly, in 2010, we lost Rowan. And, even to this day, it is still difficult for our family to deal with his loss; especially as we pass through life milestones without him there."
But she added: "Having the charity there as something we can focus our energy on, and see the positive impact we are having on young sports people across the Borders - all in Rowan's name - really helps us to deal with that grief."
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As well as the 5k Meigle Run or walk - which dogs can take part in too - there is also a junior fun run. Registration opens at Gala Cricket Club at 10.30am for the junior run (entry £2), which sets off at 11.30am; and 11am for the senior event (entry £5), which sets off at midday.
And the town's Braw Lad and Lass, Cory Paterson and Emma Spence, will hand out the medals.
"This will be the fun run's tenth year," Kristin told Greatest Hits Radio. "We started the event in 2011, but had to take a three year break due to Covid.
"It's the second year of running the event on a Sunday. We have turned it from just a run into more of a family fun day, and this year we will have 'Beat the Goalie'; Kwik Cricket; and our star guest Gregor Townsend will be there on the day to facilitate some touch rugby sessions.
"As well as this, there will be a barbeque, ice-cream and cake and candy."
And the sun is forecast to shine too.
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