FAQ’s BG Energy Challenge 2008 – UK

What can I expect at the BG Energy Challenge?
The Challenge is a fun filled, action packed two and a half day event that starts on Thursday 10 July and ends on Saturday 12 July 2008. 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 works in more than 70 countries around the world tackling poverty wherever the need is greatest. Across five continents, CARE's work has an impact on more than 48 million people worldwide. Since 1996, the BG Energy Challenge UK has raised over £1.7 million for numerous CARE projects around the world.

Who is Sparks?
Sparks is a UK children’s medical research charity which funds research across the whole spectrum of paediatric medicine, including childhood cancer, childhood arthritis, meningitis, club foot, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and the risks associated with premature birth. The results of their research benefit children worldwide. Funds raised at last year’s BG Energy Challenge event directly benefited two Sparks projects; the Clubfoot project based at Aberdeen University which looks at causes of clubfoot and the Premature babies project based at London University which aims to prevent brain damage in pre-term babies.

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.

£5000 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 £5000 may sound a lot of money, when broken down it equates to less than £1000 per team member (including your Leader). The minimum fundraising target has remained the same for many years - most teams achieve this target and indeed many raise more than double  this amount. Think about and plan your fundraising activities well in advance. Use your fundraising events as a tool to encourage networking across your business. Engage colleagues, friends and family by holding a quiz or family fun day and you will hit that target before you know it.

What help can I expect with fundraising?
Charity representatives Shelley Carter (Sparks) and Michele Evans (CARE) will be on hand 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.  Upon registration, your team will be provided with a user name and password which gives access to a special fundraising ‘hints and tips’ area on the website. 

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 without stopping. 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 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, Challenger World.  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 Challenger World in a timely manner.  

During the event itself, Team Captain’s will be required to attend Team Captain 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 Team Captain 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 at 4.00 pm on Friday 11 July and can depart with their teams on Sunday 13 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 £1250 per team which covers the cost of the 4 core team members and the Leader. The rolling substitute is an additional £250 (so £1500 for a team of 5 including the Leader). These costs cover accommodation, all meals, team suits and specialist equipment whilst 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, Challenger World, 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 Challenger World. 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 sent out to Team Captain’s closer to 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. A list of suggested equipment is detailed here