FAQs
What can I expect at the BG Energy Challenge?
The Challenge is a fun-filled, action-packed two and a half day event that will start on Thursday 5 July and ends on Saturday 7 July 2012. The focus of the event is raising much needed funds for charity whilst encouraging team work and communication. Teams will be tested mentally, physically and strategically in a series of challenges in the great outdoors. During previous events teams have had to bike up steep slopes; canoe across lakes; orientate through forest, and solve conundrums and logic puzzles. By committing to the Energy Challenge you are making an undertaking to raise as much money as you can for the nominated event charities – possibly the biggest challenge of all.
Who is CARE International?
CARE International is a leading aid and development agency, working in 87 countries to create lasting change in poor communities and help people find routes out of extreme poverty. We do this by tackling the deep-seated causes of poverty, not just the consequences.
A huge part of CARE’s work is around emergencies. From 2010 to 2011 we responded to over 40 emergencies including the Haiti earthquake, Pakistan floods and East Africa food crisis. When an emergency occurs CARE aims to meet people’s most urgent needs: water, shelter, food and medical supplies. However, it can take years for people to recover and rebuild their lives so instead of providing long-term handouts, we help people help themselves. For example we helped Pari, a 45 year old widow who lost her cattle in the Pakistan floods. She said, “When the flood came we had to save ourselves and left our home. Everything was destroyed. The floods took away my cattle and destroyed my home”. CARE gave her mattresses, blankets and cooking equipment in the immediate term. When she returned to her farm we also provided her with the tools and opportunity to begin farming again. We gave Pari chickens, and trained her in how to look after them, including how much to feed them and how to spot the signs of illness. Slowly but surely Pari is rebuilding her life.
With the support of events like the BG Energy Challenge – UK, which has raised an incredible £2.2 million for CARE since 1996, we can continue to provide fast, effective support to the people like Pari, who need it the most – thank you very much.
Who is Sparks?
Sparks is a children’s medical research charity dedicated to funding and championing pioneering research into conditions affecting babies, children and mums-to be - from childhood cancer, childhood arthritis and meningitis to clubfoot, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and many other conditions. Through the research they fund, the charity aims to improve the quality of life for children and families affected by serious illness or disability today, whilst seeking ways to better diagnose, treat and prevent these conditions in the future.
Since 1991, Sparks has invested over £21million into vital medical research. The charity has funded 227 research projects in more than 80 hospitals and universities across the UK.
The medical breakthroughs made possible by this life-saving research, make a difference not only across the UK but for thousands of women, children and families around the world.
Funds raised at previous BG Energy Challenge events have directly benefited the following Sparks projects:
- Researching the causes of the genetic condition, clubfoot, at Aberdeen University
- A project which aims to prevent brain damage in pre-term babies at University College London
- A study looking at improving nutrition to facilitate growth and development in young children with cerebral palsy
- Research into the causes of cot death
- Research into Early indicators of developmental problems in very premature children
Can I choose to raise money for charities other than CARE and Sparks?
An integral part of the challenge will be to raise money for the event’s official charities CARE and Sparks. Teams can donate to either or both of these charities only.
£5 000 seems a lot of money to raise per team. Is it really necessary?
Raising funds for charity is an integral part of the event. Whilst £5 000 may sound a lot of money, when broken down it equates to less than £1 000 per team member (including your Leader). The minimum fund-raising target has remained the same for many years - most teams achieve this target and indeed many greatly exceed this target. Think about and plan your fundraising activities well in advance. Use your fundraising events as a tool to encourage networking across your business and to engage with colleagues, friends and family. Refer to the Fundraising section for advice and ideas.
What help can I expect with fundraising?
Charity representatives Claire Finigan (Sparks) and Ella Moffat (CARE) will send you a fundraising guide packed full of hints and tips to get you started, or inspire you with you new ideas to refresh your fundraising. They will be in touch regularly and always available to help with any queries you may have and to support you in achieving your fundraising goals. They will be more than happy to introduce their charities to your business and arrange a visit to your workplace. Please refer to the Fundraising section for advice and ideas.
How fit do I need to be?
Whilst you don’t need to be a supreme athlete, moderate fitness is a definite requirement. By the time of the event, you should be able to run up to 5 miles comfortably. You have plenty of time to train and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the event. Devise a training programme and go running or walking as a team; get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This will undoubtedly give you an advantage during the event itself.
What’s does being a Team Captain involve?
Prior to the event, the Team Captain (TC) is the focal point of contact for all communication from the event organiser, IMG. It is the TC’s responsibility to ensure that all information received is quickly cascaded to their team members. TC’s are also responsible for collating and returning any team information requested by IMG in a timely manner.
During the event itself, TC’s will be required to attend TC Briefings during which key event information and stage notes will be given out. TC’s will then be responsible for disseminating this information to their team. Note – it is possible for any team member to attend the TC Briefings during the event.
What do you mean by Leaders’ Challenge and what is involved?
A Leader is typically a senior manager or executive within the company. Prior to the event the Leader should be encouraged to take an active role in supporting their team’s fundraising and training activities. Leaders will join their teams and participate in one stage of the event alongside other senior managers/ executives. Leaders will be required to register sometime during the afternoon of Friday 6 July and can depart with their teams on Sunday 8 July.
I am trying to get a team together but struggling to get 5 team members. Is this a problem?
Whilst not compulsory, it is recommended that each team has a rolling substitute. At any one time teams must compete with 4 team members. A rolling fifth substitute provides a tactical benefit as teams can opt to put their strongest mix forward depending on what is required for that particular stage. Teams will not be penalised for only having 4 team members. However it should be noted that the Leaders’ Challenge does require the whole team and their Leader to participate i.e. 4 core squad members plus the Leader.
I am trying to get a team together but struggling to get a Senior Manager/Executive to participate in the Leader’s Challenge. What do I do?
Teams will not be excluded from participating without a Leader however teams should take note that engaging a senior manager to actively support them will help gain support and raise awareness of their fundraising activities across the business.
How much does it cost to enter?
The entry fee is £1 250 per team which covers the cost of the 4 core team members and the Leader. The rolling substitute is an additional £250 (so £1 500 for a team of 5 including the Leader). These costs cover accommodation, all meals, team suits and specialist equipment while at the event.
How do I get to/from and around the event?
Teams are responsible for getting themselves to and from the event. To minimise the impact on the environment as well as help with parking space constraints teams are required to share one vehicle between them. Any Leaders joining their teams at a later date are also expected to share one vehicle with their team during the event itself.
I submitted my Team Entry Form. What happens next?
Following receipt of your Team Entry Form by the event organiser, IMG, Terrie Twyman will respond with an email to acknowledge receipt of your entry. Your team briefing pack will be attached to the email along with a number of forms which will need to be completed and returned to IMG. Included will be the team suit, leader’s registration and bike registration forms. Please return these by the dates requested.
I have been asked to complete a profile form? Why?
The information you provide will help generate news stories in the local and national press. By increasing awareness of the event and publicising you and your teams’ fund raising activities we aim to generate more funds than ever before for the event charities. Let us know about any unusual or interesting ways you/your team or company is preparing for the event. What training techniques are you using – what fun or unusual fundraising ideas have you come up with? The information you provide will not be shared with any third parties nor will any comments or information you provide be published without your consent.
What do I need to bring to the event?
A full list of essential equipment will be included in the team manual provided to Team Captain’s closer to the date of the event. Specialist equipment will be provided at the event itself. Individuals do have the option of taking their own bikes to the event however this at their own risk. Please refer to the What to bring section for a list of suggested equipment.