October 27: Royal Challenge Fundraising Event
The Royal Challenge — which will take place on Sunday, 27 October 2013 in Dockyard — is the final Challenge obstacle event for the year. Set against the backdrop of Bermuda’s maritime heritage, Royal Challenge will combine elements of this year’s Island Challenge and Urban Foot Race to create a unique obstacle race in the west end.
In teams of three, participants will tackle the unknown in a 5km course, experiencing parts of the Dockyard few have explored before. As it is a team event, participants are expected and encourage to help each other get through [over or under!] the obstacles to reach the finish. Whoever cannot manage an obstacle needs to complete the penalty instead.
“Doing the event in Dockyard presents fantastic opportunities not found in the other locations” says co-organiser Jason Correia. “There are new obstacles being included this time too. Plus the route is a bit rough as it takes teams around parts of Dockyard that are not all open to the public. We have to thank WEDCo, the National Museum and the Harbour master for working with us on this.”
The winning teams will be determined through a points system where one point is awarded for each charity dollar raised. The charity points are then added to the challenge points teams earn for their time taken to complete the course.So, a fast team can get lots of challenge points but not necessarily win if another team earns more charity points by raising more money for charity. A slow team can still do well with some fundraising muscle.
The purpose of the Challenge events is to raise money for charity – more than $95, 000 has been raised since the events began last year. “
The team members will be reaching out to the community to get pledges of support for their efforts and, in exchange, they commit to completing the course,” said co-organiser, Aideen Ratteray Pryse. “The best part is that you don’t have to be super fit to take part, you just need to be willing to try. Charities are finding it tough these days and Royal Challenge is a great way for the community to help.”
Pledges raised through Royal Challenge 2013 will support the Friends of Hope Academy and the Beyond Rugby programme of The Family Centre.
A spokesperson said, “Royal Challenge has five categories for team entries: men, women, mixed men and women, corporate and youth [14 – 18 years old]. Entries are open online and everyone is welcome to join in. For transport to and from Dockyard, we encourage participants to take the ferry. There will be a ferry that day leaving Hamilton at 8.00am. Instead of driving and parking, enjoy the fast ferry to the west end. For event details, check the website.”
