COLBC COACHES ANNOUNCE MONUMENTAL 48 HOUR FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE
- James Quinn
- 34 minutes ago
- 2 min read
All money raised will go towards launching the "Fly High, Burn Bright" Scholarship Fund in honour of Inaki Izurieta Chamorro.
In September 2025, the City Of Leeds Basketball Club lost one of our own.
Inaki was only 13 years old — a much-loved young player, teammate, friend, and part of our basketball family.
His name Inaki means fiery and ardent, and that perfectly reflects the energy, passion, and spirit he brought to the court and to the people around him. Since his passing, so many of the young people who knew him have shared the same message:
“Fly High, Inaki.”
To honour his memory, three of our Senior Coaches are taking on a monumental fundraising challenge in his name.
In less than 48 hours from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June, Matt Newby, Ben Allen & James Quinn will complete both the National 3 Peaks Challenge and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge back to back. They will push themselves physically and mentally to raise funds that will create opportunities and support for other young people.
The money raised will launch the the "Fly High, Burn Bright" Scholarship Fund — helping young people access basketball opportunities regardless of financial circumstances, so more children can experience the game Inaki loved so much.
It will also contribute funds to mental health support and awareness charities — helping provide support, education, and hope for young people and families who may be struggling.
COLBC Director Matt Newby:
““The launch of this project and programme is a significant step for our club and has been forged to honour a young man whom embodied the very best of the human spirit. Inaki had a passion for our sport and loved being on the court with his friends. We hope to honour his life and legacy by providing young people with opportunities which may not otherwise always be accessible. The “Fly High Burn Bright” scholarship fund will aid talented young people and families who may not always have the means to follow their dreams. Furthermore we hope to raise funds for organisations who support young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as heighten awareness of the sources and resources which can help young people navigate the challenges in modern life. Sport is an incredible agent for change and asset in the positive development of young people. We are dedicated as a whole programme to driving change and providing opportunities.”
This challenge is about more than climbing mountains.
It’s about community, remembrance, opportunity, and making sure Inaki’s name continues to inspire others long into the future.
Every donation, no matter the amount, means the world to us and helps us turn this project into something lasting and positive for young people.
Thank you for supporting us.
Thank you for helping Inaki’s spirit live on.
You can contribute towards our ambitious fundraising goal