Help Joe go to the World University Games

Hi, My name is Joe O'Connell and I am really proud to announce I have been selected to represent GB at the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr Germany this summer for the half marathon.

It would be an honour and a privilege to represent GB for the first time at these games, and to compete against some of the best in the world on an international stage, but unfortunately, the significant costs of participation are not covered by my university, UK Athletics, or British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). In order to compete at the games I need to raise the funds myself to cover the expenses of competing.

As an unfunded athlete, getting to represent the GB Students team and compete in these games would be a huge step in my athletics career- being my first GB representation- and an incredible opportunity. Therefore I am reaching out for support in helping fund this. Running is something I dedicate a huge part of my life to and opportunities like this, to represent your country at a world games, is what makes the countless hours dedicated to training and the wider sacrifices made come to life. I am currently a full time Philosophy, Politics and Economics student and have to balance this alongside training, travelling to races, and competing year round on the track, road and, cross country. I've been running for almost 10 years now going from racing local cross country leagues to national and international competition. Some of my proudest achievements are a BUCS 10000m silver medal, 3 England vests, A top 5 finish at BUCS Cross Country, and A European U23 Road Race team bronze medal.

Any contributions will help cover:

GB students participation fee - £2000

Any extra money raised will be use to cover flights and other travel to and from the Competition- £250

My goal is to raise as much as possible towards the cost of these games to cover the participation fee requested by BUCS and other necessary expenses.

If you are able to support in any way towards this, be it by making a small donation or sharing this with others, that would be really appreciated! Your help would go directly towards making this opportunity possible, allowing me to realise my dream of competing for GB and making a huge step forward in my running career.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for the support on the road to Rhine-Ruhr