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Football-loving Invergordon teenager's 100km running challenge shows the red card to racism; 'Huge respect' for St Duthus player as lockdown run helps raise awareness


By Hector MacKenzie

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Shadi Ali ran 100km in under a week to support an anti-racism charity. Picture: Callum Mackay
Shadi Ali ran 100km in under a week to support an anti-racism charity. Picture: Callum Mackay

AN Easter Ross teenager who took on an epic running challenge during lockdown to make a stand against racism has been hailed "a real superstar" for his plucky effort.

Sixteen-year-old Invergordon Academy pupil Shadi Ali challenged himself to crank out a gruelling 100km in a week in support of the Show Racism the Red Card charity.

The determined youngster left a war-torn Syria with his family when he was 10 and arrived in Ross-shire with barely a word of English.

He took up playing football while attending Invergordon Academy and now plays for St Duthus in Tain, describing himself as a right winger but saying he'll play anywhere he's asked to help the team.

Running six times a week during the Covid-19 lockdown period to keep fit, he decided to channel his effort to positive effect for the charity which provides educational workshops and training sessions to up to 50,000 a year with the purpose of tackling racism in society.

The initiative, supported by top flight footballers from around the world, uses the popularity of the sport to get its message across.

Shadi hit the streets around his home for a series of runs ranging from 15km to a half-marathon length 21km all in the space of a week to complete his challenge, smashing his initial £350 target and pulling in almost £800.

Acknowledging the welcome his family has experienced since arriving in Ross-shire and the support from teachers he has received, he said he was keen to help raise awareness while keeping fit.

Shadi Ali said of his challenge: 'I just decided to do it'. Picture: Callum Mackay
Shadi Ali said of his challenge: 'I just decided to do it'. Picture: Callum Mackay

He said he has experienced racism on the pitch once and as recently as this week faced abuse from a younger child when making his way to a football pitch. But he said: "More people have been positive. I just decided to do it." Encouraged by his friends and family, he began pounding out the miles in the hope his effort might make people think twice before making hurtful comments.

What a wonderful, shining inspiration you are to your brothers and sisters - here in Scotland, in Syria and all around the world! - Sarah Houston

Well done Shadi. What an achievement 🤩. Very proud of you. - Emma Beavis

Another wrote: "Shadi, what a challenge but what an achievement. A real superstar. Huge respect."

His fundraising page can be accessed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shadi-ali

News from Ross-shire


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