Elgin Park Rugby Equipment & Transportation Costs

EDIT 2023-05-29:

Dear Incredible Supporters,

I find myself at a loss for words. Overwhelmed by the generosity and unwavering support we've received, I feel an immense gratitude that reaches beyond words. We set an ambitious goal, and because of each one of you, we've achieved it. Together, we've raised $7000 for the EPS Rugby team.

Thank you. Truly. This achievement is not ours alone—it's yours as well. You've provided us the means to ensure our players can compete safely and successfully. You've helped us fund transportation, equipment, and crucial pillars of support for our program moving forward. You've opened up possibilities we could only dream of before.

Our next milestone accounting for the goal increase is the acquisition of a scrum machine.

Picture this: an old, rusted scrum machine. Its paint has chipped off, revealing years of weathering and wear. It creaks and groans under the strain of each scrum practice, mirroring the bruises and aches of our players. This veteran of countless seasons has seen many a player grow, learn, and push their limits. But now, it's nearing the end of its life.

Each rusty bolt, every bend in its metal frame, tells a story of dedication and determination, a testament to our players' perseverance. Yet, it no longer provides the safety and efficiency that our team needs to truly excel. As we push against it, it sways and groans, a far cry from the sturdy, reliable machines available now.

Investing in a new scrum machine will not only significantly improve safety standards, but also boost the team's performance and morale. It's about providing our team with the tools they deserve, an opportunity to train and compete on strong footing grounded on support from their community. It's about showing our young players that we believe in their potential.

This equipment is much more than a metal frame—it's a tool that can truly transform our team's skills, enhancing our game and preparing us for greater challenges. It's an investment into the heart of EPS Rugby that will benefit the team now and for years to come. While the cost ranges between $4500 to $6000, the potential it brings to our program is beyond measure.

This is about more than a rugby team—it's about a community coming together, investing in their youth and celebrating the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. Your support has made this possible, and any future support will continue to fuel this incredible journey we're on.

We thank you from the depths of our hearts and we promise to make you proud on and off the field.

With profound gratitude and appreciation,

Nico Docolas and the EPS Rugby Team

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Dear Friends, Family, Supporters, & Rugby Enthusiasts -

I am Nico Docolas, a rugby coach & community volunteer at Elgin Park Secondary (EPS) and a proud alumnus. After finishing as the #1 Public School in BC last year at the Junior 15's level, our spirited and talented rugby team has had an incredible season once again. It has culminated in not only our first AAA Sr. Boys Title in School History, but Back2Back titles for the group that played on the Junior Team last year. This has provided us the opportunity to compete at the Provincial Championships for the Senior Boys' Title. It's an achievement that echoes through the hallways & community with resounding pride.

However, this significant milestone also brings with it the reality of substantial costs related to transportation, professional physiotherapy, and much-needed equipment upgrades. With our limited budget, meeting these essential requirements poses a considerable challenge.

Here's a breakdown of our estimated costs & needs:

Transportation:

Ensuring our team reaches each match well-rested and focused is crucial. We also want to lift the burden from the shoulders of parents' for 3 different travel days the same week. We've found that hiring a dedicated bus is the most reliable and efficient method of transportation.

The rental cost of a bus amounts to about $800-$900 per day. Over the three-day event, this totals to approximately $2400 - $2700.

Added costs like the driver's meals, accommodations, and other personal expenses will account for approximately $300.

Physiotherapy Services:

The boys' safety is the bottom line for the program - the one thing we do not compromise is their long term well-being. The physical rigor of rugby means prompt access to professional physiotherapy is essential. This will ensure our players' wellbeing, aiding them in performing at their peak.

Professional physiotherapy services cost around $200 per day, amounting to $600 for three days.

Essential physiotherapy supplies such as tapes, ice packs, muscle rubs, and a portable treatment table would add up to roughly $650.

Training Equipment Upgrade:

Our gear has valiantly withstood the test of time, but is now woefully outdated. Some of our rugby balls have been in service since my own high school days, and our tackle bags and training pads are relics from the last century.

A minimum of 15 new rugby balls, priced between $75-$90 each, means we're looking at $1125-$1350.

The cost to replace our aged tackle bags and training pads is estimated at around $1000.

Adding it all up, we require a total budget of approximately $6000-$6600 to allow our team to perform at their best during the Provincial Championships.

The importance of your contribution extends beyond the monetary value. It fosters the spirit of sportsmanship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence within our young athletes. It's about creating opportunities for them to push their limits, rise to challenges, and grow both on and off the field.

Every donation, regardless of the amount, is a step towards our goal and would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you for considering lending your support to our team on this exciting journey.

Yours in sport,

Nico Docolas

Coach, EPS Rugby Team

[NON-SCHOOL SANCTIONED FUNDRAISING/COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SOURCED FUNDING]