Learners and staff from the Sport and Public Services programme area showed their fighting spirit as they took part in a recent action packed charity challenge at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York (by kind permission of the British Army).

The Public Services students were keen to hold an event to raise money for Help for Heroes; a charity that supports and cares for members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. After discussing their ideas, the date was set and the preparations began.

After months of hard training by the staff team and pizza eating by the student team, the rivals finally came together at Strensall. The Yorkshire Regiment Recruiting Team organised warm-up activities which included section attacks and command tasks.
 

The teams were scored on each of a series of activities before their final confrontation on the assault course. The students got off to a flying start but slowed when faced with the 30ft high cargo net. The staff team were given a 70 second penalty as they had only seven members against the students’ 12. Tutors Tim Smart and Les Wilson, being ex-forces, set a shining example; up over the wall and away.

The event culminated in a ‘strongest man’ tyre race, before the two teams nervously awaited the results. It had been a closely fought contest however; the final ruling by the Army judges was in favour of the staff team.

Public Services lecturer Dave Kitson said, “The triumphant staff team have been particularly keen to remind the students of how they won and I think they will continue to do so for a long time to come. Competition aside, the event has been a wonderful success; the students have raised in excess of £1000 for the charity. Everyone has enjoyed the day and we would also like thank the Army for making it all possible”.