When not playing for their respective teams in Rugby’s elite English Premiership, rugby stars Marcus Watson and Matt Hopper can be found travelling through Asia and exploring the unique experiences Karma Resorts offer.
Watson, 25, plays for the Newcastle Falcons and was part of the silver-medal-winning English Rugby 7’s team at the Rio Olympics, while Hopper, 32, has just finished an illustrious tenure with the Harlequins to move to French club Oyonnax.
During their stay at Karma Kandara and Karma Jimbaran, the pair spent a day at the Bali Life Foundation – a charity that provides love and care to those in Bali who are disillusioned and disadvantaged, with the aim of giving them hope, dignity and purpose. In conjunction with Rugby Development Bali, who provided professional equipment and trainers to help out, Watson and Hopper were given the opportunity to teach local children rugby’s finer points of play.
“It’s been great here at the Bali Life Foundation”, says Watson, surrounded by children clamouring for a pass or twenty, big grins all round.
“We hope the kids have learned a bit more about rugby. Matt and I have heard a bit more about the great work Bali Life Foundation are doing; it’s so important that children in developing communities get the love, care and access to opportunities they deserve.”
“Absolutely”, says Hopper in agreement, “this is a great foundation. It’s great that Karma’s helping to look after the kids here and that so many of them are flourishing.”
“It’s my fifth time in Bali so far, probably will be my sixth next year. I’d love to come back and see how everyone is doing, see how everyone is growing.”
“We’ve got some excellent potential rugby players here!”, Watson continues, “a few who are interested in the tackling and passing in particular.”
“As Matt mentioned, it’s nice to see the kids doing so well. I heard a few are off to university this year and others to high school; that’s an excellent result.”
“It’s great that Karma provides these types of experiences for people, so that can get involved with communities across the world.”
For more information on the Bali Life Foundation, visit: http://www.balilife.org/
For more information on Rugby Development Bali, visit: www.facebook.com/balirugby
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