Press releases
15th July 2011 (2011 event)
THERE was a big boost in numbers of children taking part in this year's Scootathlon, the second organised by Wakefield Rotary Club.
The event, at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School playing fields in July, raised money for the children's hospice being built at Huddersfield by the Forget-Me-Not Trust to meet the needs of youngsters in West Yorkshire.
Rotary community service chairman Peter Clarke, who organised the day, said: "We had our first disabled child entrant this year. Madi Small, from Durkar, completed the course in her electric wheelchair. Her parents were thrilled that she could join in - and she won three prizes on the tombola!"
Every entrant received a T-shirt, a medal and a wristband entitling them to use the bouncy castle and other attractions. The event consisted of a 400-metre scoot, a 400-metre bike ride and a 150-metre run.
The Scootathlon made about £400 on the day, but the main fundraising is through the sponsorship that the children get and that will not be known until later in the year.
There was a raffle for a £100 bike donated by Halfords and the five children raising the most sponsorship will each receive a £100 voucher to spend in the store.
The Elite Cheerleaders also entertained the crowds during the day.
27th July 2010 (about the 2010 event)
PARENTS and kids were begging for more after the first Scootathlon organised by the Wakefield club.
Everyone had such a great time they said they would give their full backing to a repeat next year.
Peter Clarke, the club's community service chairman and the principal organiser, joined in hailing the event a great success. Children aged four to nine had to scoot 400m, run 150m and cycle another 400m to the finish. Participants arranged individual sponsorship in aid of the Forget Me Not Trust, the aim of which is to build a children's hospice and respite centre to serve Wakefield and Kirklees.
Peter said later: "I've had phone calls and emails and each one said the children had a fantastic time.
"One parent told me his little boy had fallen off his bike the previous day and had hurt his arm, but he was still determined to complete the course - which he did and thoroughly enjoyed it."
He added: "It was a bit of a struggle for some of the little ones but not one child failed to get round the course - and the smiles on their faces when they received their medals were amazing."
The club is very grateful to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, for allowing the use of its sports ground for the Scootathlon. Help also came in the form of a council grant from the Community Chest Fund.
23rd April 2010
YOUNGSTERS in Wakefield are lining up for the city's first Scootathlon which will raise money to help build a new children's hospice.
The event is being organised by the Wakefield club who hope hundreds of children aged between four and nine will take part to support the Forget Me Not Trust, a charity which aims to create a new hospice and respite centre to serve the Wakefield, Kirklees and Huddersfield areas.
Head of the trust's fundraising team, Sarah Herrett, said: "We are thrilled that the Rotary Club of Wakefield is supporting us through this fantastic event."
The event, similar to a triathlon, will consist of a 150m run, 400m scoot and finally a 400m bike ride. It is to be held at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School sports ground on Saturday, July 24, although children must register by June 19.
The club's community service chairman, Peter Clarke, said: "This is the first time Wakefield has hosted a Scootathlon and we hope it will be a really fun day for all the family.
"It's not a race but there will be prizes for children who raise the most sponsorship."
He said there were lots of fundraising events where adults and children took part, but few for children to raise money for children.
For more details call 01924 252437 or email scootathlon@rotarywakefield.org.uk.
PHOTO CAPTION
READY, STEADY..! Some of the children who are on the starting line for the Wakefield club's charity Scootathlon.
Photo courtesy Wakefield Express
