Charity touch rugby event marks 10th anniversary

Organisers of a touch rugby event, which raises funds for local cancer charities, are appealing for teams to enter their tenth tournament in Luxembourg.

Kick Cancer into Touch (KCIT) was initially set up in 2001 as a tribute to former rugby player Tim Shepard, who lost his battle with cancer.

Ten years on and the event has helped to raise thousands of euros for cancer charities and is still going strong.

This year's 10th anniversary event will take place on August 20. While 20 teams have already signed up, places are still available for anyone wishing to enter a team.

Coordinator Joe Lister said: “Since we started 10 years ago touch rugby has really grown in Luxembourg with 2011 seeing Luxembourg's first entry in the touch world cup and the start of a touch federation. This year we want to mark our own milestone by raising as much as possible and having as much fun with as many teams as possible.”

Since its inception KCIT has focused on raising funds for Luxembourg-based organisations linked to cancer causes and palliative care such as Omega90 and, for the first time this year, Kriibskrankkanner.

Omega90 offers support and care to cancer sufferers and their families within the local Luxembourg community. They built and run Luxembourg's first hospice, which the KCIT plans to help by providing and sponsoring facilities for families and children using the service.

KCIT is also seeking companies to sponsor the summer touch rugby event, to ensure that charities will benefit from the funds raised.

Joe said: “Every penny of the money raised throughout the year goes directly into these charities. This is why we would like to invite companies and employees to sponsor this event and join in the fun. We are looking for a partners for this and the other events we run to join us in making the day both rewarding for the charities and the people involved.”

One-day touch rugby tournament, August 20

• Teams of minimum six players, can be mixed, any age or skill

• Activities for children including bouncy castle, tombola, face painting, monster making and BBQ

• Entry 10€ per player, All funds go to charity!

• Kicks off at 11am

• Sign up by August 10.

Email: kickcancerintotouch@hotmail.com