THE BEACH COMES TO BROADGATE

The sun shone at Broadgate on Friday 11 June for the second annual beach volleyball tournament in aid of Action for Kids.

Beach volleyball at Broadgate
Beach volleyball at Broadgate

14 teams from organisations across London competed in the event, which raised £50,000 for young people with physical and learning disabilities. The final saw ICAP and last year’s winners, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International, go head to head. Congratulations to ICAP, who won with 29 points, beating Mitsubishi's 28 points in the final seconds of the game.

Sitting volleyball
The GB Sitting Volleyball team challenged local teams in Finsbury Avenue Square

Other teams participating were: Accenture, Addleshaw Goddard, City of London Police, Herbert Smith, HSBC, InterContinental Hotels, La Fosse, Linklaters, Marshall Wace, Mishcon de Reya and Parthenon Group. The event was so successful that Action for Kids hopes to return for the third consecutive year in 2011.

The tournament followed a week of activities offering occupiers, local schoolchildren and the public the chance to play volleyball in the heart of the City. The GB Sitting Volleyball Team challenged players to take them on in Finsbury Avenue Square, showing how those with disabilities can play volleyball. Team POGO UK also performed, with two of their young national champions thrilling the crowds with their acrobatic feats.

With 150,000 people passing through the estate every weekday, Broadgate offers an ideal venue for charities and community groups to raise both funds and awareness.

Other fundraising events this summer include a three-day basketball tournament in partnership with occupier, ICAP. This is in aid of XLP, a charity which helps young people in nearby Lewisham to build their self-esteem, make good lifestyle choices and achieve their goals, as well as positively contributing to their communities.