The East Kilbride Pirates, Scotland’s number one American Football team are embarking on a new fundraising experience to kick start their preparations for the 2009 season. In conjunction with team sponsor Extreme Nutrition and Venice Physique in Glasgow, the Pirates are undertaking a sponsored weight lift to raise money for the team.

The challenge, devised by rookie Offensive Lineman Alistair Wilson, involves the team attempting to lift a total of 250 metric tonnes through a series of five different lifts. Pirates players will visit Venice Physique on Saturday 21 February, where they will each perform 5 different weight lifts. The amount they lift will be added together to give a total for the individual. Finally, this will be added to the team tally, with the goal of reaching 250 metric tonnes throughout the day. Additionally, the team will have individual prizes for the player managing the best lifts in each category and the best total weight lifted.

To put the weight into perspective, 250 tonnes is the equivalent weight of:
• The Mir Space Station with a shuttle attached!
• Two hundred and fifty Hippo’s!
• Forty two Elephants!
• One hundred and twenty five Bugatti Veyrons!

Pirates Head Coach Andy Mackintosh said “Weight lifting is a fundamental aspect of an individuals preparation to play American Football. This event allows us to highlight the importance of this part of an athletes development, as well as increasing the profile of the Pirates and raising funds for the team.”

On the field, the teams’ preparations for the 2009 Division 1 campaign are well underway. Training takes place from 10am every Sunday in East Kilbride (at either Duncanrig or Brancumhall, depending on weather conditions). If you’re interested in finding more about the Pirates or sponsoring them in their quest, please contact info@piratesfootball.co.uk.

Covered on icLanarkshire here!
Covered in East Kilbride News here!