Thanks to Kerry for details of how readers can take part in the Wightlink Wight Challenge. Ed
The Wightlink Wight Challenge has opened up for entries in its tenth year with teams invited to do the May and/or September events.
Teams are also requested to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat, Sail 4 Cancer or The Rainbow Centre, emotive charities with local links.
Since 2004, the event has raised over £160,000 and hopes to crack the £200,000 mark this year but that can only happen with fun-loving and adventurous people signing up to take part!
In 2004, 42 competitors raised £671
In 2005 78 competitors raised £5,709
In 2006 120 competitors raised £15,382
In 2007 87 competitors raised £20,027
In 2008 111 competitors raised £13,435
Making a total of £55,224 raised for Dreams Come True CharityIn 2009 135 competitors raised £29,043
In 2010 135 competitors raised £15,922
In 2011 207 competitors raised £28,201
Making a total of £73,166 for Wessex HeartbeatIn 2012 195 competitors raised £32,188 for Wessex Heartbeat, Sail 4 Cancer and The Rainbow Centre.
Two worthy causes
Tina Richardson from Wessex Heartbeat says “Wessex Heartbeat are once again pleased to be part of this exciting fun and extremely well organised event together with another two worthy causes.”
Lizette van Niekerk from Sail 4 Cancer says “Competitors in this Challenge are not only fantastic athletes but also have very warm hearts. The money raised last year enabled us to send 20 youngsters with cancer on sailing weekends around the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The youngsters loved the opportunity to experience something adventurous after months in and out of hospital. Please support the Challenge again this year, you will make such a difference to families who are going through a very difficult time.”
An incredible and unforgettable experience
Jess Greenwood, Community Fundraiser for The Rainbow Centre says: “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Wightlink Wight Challenge, which offers an incredible and unforgettable experience for our supporters taking part and their families that come to cheer them on. We can’t wait until the 25th May and 21st September to be part of it again. We’re so proud to be one of three charities involved.”
Wightlink ferries are title sponsor for the third year and their sponsored canoes make a fine sight as teams paddle up the beautiful Newtown River along the row of marker buoys. The organisers are enormously grateful to Wightlink ferries for their invaluable support.
Jackson: “Wightlink delighted to sponsor the Wightlink Wight Challenge”
Kerry Jackson, Events Manager from Wightlink says “Wightlink are once more delighted to be able to sponsor the Wightlink Wight Challenge for the third year, to enable such worthwhile charities to raise much needed funds.
“Last year’s total of over £32,000 was outstanding and I only hope that this year we can better that! I wish all the participants much luck with both the challenge and their fundraising efforts.”
Going green
The event is taking steps to become greener with the assistance of The Footprint Trust and Bestival who have donated re-usable water bottles for the competitor Goodie Bags. The event is also aiming at reducing the wastage this year by using re-usable cups at transitions.
Our Land and the AONB partnership have helped promote the event as the Wight Challenge routes pass through the Island’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Local involvement
Calbourne Classics are signed up to cook for the 175+ people and it is very pleasing that the cyclists pass cows who produce the milk that make the ice cream competitors enjoy at the end of the day.
In May the IW Canoe Club will be in charge of the canoe section and the organisers are very grateful to SERFCA for granting permission to use Jersey Camp, the most perfect venue for the event.
How to enter
Registration Forms can be downloaded from the Website. The entry fee remains at £45 and each person is requested to raise £100 for their chosen charity.
With teams returning year after year, and many new ones signed up so far, why not come along and be part of the 2013 Wightlink Wight Challenges.
Contact: Joanna Minchin [email protected] or 07790 401 036
