Take Adventure to a New High

18/03/2008

An exhilarating and hugely enjoyable event combining mountain biking, kayaking, orienteering, aerial runways and secret disciplines is being launched by BlueSky Experiences, Scotland’s most experienced corporate events and team building company.

Following the hugely successful Buccleuch Property Challenge, a similar event organised for Buccleuch Estates, the company has decided to launch the biggest annual adventure race for Scotland’s organisations. The BlueSky Challenge, an all day event, will take place at Drumlanrig Castle on the stunning 120,000-acre Queensberry Estate on 12 September 2008.

The BlueSky Challenge will be formally launched with a champagne reception and information evening at The George Hotel, Edinburgh on 23rd April 2008 starting at 6.30pm, where potential challengers and sponsors alike can come along and find out more about The BlueSky Challenge and adventure racing. On the evening there will be a number of interactive activities being demonstrated.

The BlueSky Challenge will involve teams of four taking on the unique, exhilarating and fun challenge of:

Mountain Biking - The main mode of transport throughout the race
Kayaking - on a mountain loch
Orienteering - Finding their way through a challenging course in diverse countryside
Aerial Runways - Crossing the river Nith whilst suspended on a Tyrolean bridge
River Crossing – wading across the river with your shoes on or shoes off
Secret Disciplines – a series of tasks designed to test your mental and physical abilities.

The BlueSky Challenge has been designed to be fun as well as challenging and is inclusive for all abilities. There is no set route and the fittest team will not necessarily come first. Planning and developing a strategy is vital for success. Teams must work out in advance their best route and tactics to maximise points. Teams will be competing non-stop against the clock and will collect bonus points at each checkpoint. The team with the most bonus points and the fastest time will win the challenge.

“This is a unique opportunity to take part in an exhilarating adventure race in one of the most stunning parts of Scotland,” said James England, managing director, BlueSky Experiences Limited.

He added: “We have designed this adventure race to allow everyone to take part, regardless of fitness levels. The emphasis will be on having fun with your colleagues whilst doing something adventurous and challenging. Not only will it challenge your physical stamina but we have incorporated some demanding problem solving and secret discipline tasks into the race to test mental agility. I would like to thank The George Hotel in Edinburgh for its support in helping launch the Challenge and would encourage all those interested in finding out more about the Challenge and the Princes Trust Scotland to come along to the launch event on the 23rd April.”

Mark Coombs, estate manager at Queensberry Estate said: “The Queensberry Estate is diversifying into new areas and we are fast becoming the venue of choice for adventure activities. The BlueSky Challenge is an excellent example of the type of event which fits perfectly with our strategy. We look forward to hosting the inaugural BlueSky Challenge as we believe it is going to be hugely successful.”

The Prince’s Trust Scotland is the nominated charity for The BlueSky Challenge and it is hoped that the event will raise in excess of £30,000 for the charity.

Geraldine Gammel Prince’s Trust Scotland director said: “The Prince’s Trust is delighted to be benefiting from this dynamic and challenging event. The training and sheer physical effort needed shows how much people care about ensuring there are more choices and more chances for disadvantaged young people across Scotland. I wish each team the best of luck “

Photo: (L-R) James England, managing director, BlueSky Experiences, Alison Taylor, corporate fundraising manager, The Prince’s Trust Scotland, Sandra Collinge, Buccleuch Estates, Stuart Johnston, Technical Director, BlueSky Challenge.

For further information and entry details regarding The BlueSky Challenge or to reserve a place at the launch event at The George Hotel, Edinburgh on the 23rd April please visit www.blueskychallenge.co.uk or call James England on 01738 840 804 or 07980 212355.