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An annual Salford Esports eight-hour stream has raised over £200 for charity. 

Salford Esports, a society at the University of Salford, teamed up with streamers and other Universities to raise money for local charity, Everyone Can on Saturday 26th November. 

The stream lasted over eight hours and raised over £200 for the Manchester-based charity. 

Everyone Can is a unique centre in Manchester which offers gaming experiences for people with disabilities. 

The charity ensures that everyone has the opportunity to game, using alternative control methods and technology for driving simulators, classic arcade and virtual reality games

“This is the fourth year of our annual charity live stream, and it is the second year supporting Everyone Can,” said Jake Trotman, a consultant to Salford Esports. 

“We decided to fund them because they are a local charity to the North-West and because they benefit so many people locally. They also deal with games a lot, so it is very relevant to our society, so it’s a worthy cause.” 

The stream itself raised £226, with Salford Esports teaming up with industry professionals, Keele University and Manchester Metropolitan University for the event. 

“We had a lot of outside casters and observers. People like GM667, Kiza990, and a lot of very prominent people in their respective esports. 

“Kiza990 has been massive in the Rocket League [game] for years. We are really appreciative that these people who are industry professionals are giving up their time on a volunteer basis, because they believe in helping a cause like we do.” 

Esports has continued to see a rapid growth worldwide, as Mr Trotman hailed the sport as “the great equaliser” and revealed its incredibly positive personal impact. 

He said: “I’m a big advocate for Esports. I have been involved in the industry for years now and I like to call esports the great equaliser because it isn’t relevant to your physical ability. 

“I got into esports when I was younger because I am a disabled person, I have arthritis, and I couldn’t play traditional sports. I used to play rugby quite extensively, I was scouted for Sale Sharks, and then that had to go away.   

“So, I moved into esports, that became my primary focus. It is something that is so inherently accessible and you tell people that and they don’t really believe you, but Fortinite, PubG, you can get them on your phones.

“It is really important that something that is so accessible is kept so accessible. It is a worthwhile alternative to traditional sport.” 

Preparations have already begun for the 2023 charity stream, however you can donate to the 2022 cause via this link.

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