Media centre
Energy industry rises to the challenge - raising over £200k for charity
It was three action-packed days for the 200 participants who headed to a rain-swept Dartmoor National Park for this year's BG Energy Challenge 2012 - UK. Thirty-three teams, including a team from media partner, the Energy Institute (EI), helped raise £200,000 for benefiting charities CARE International, the overseas aid and development agency and Sparks, the children's medical research charity.
Attracting a mixture of returning companies as well as teams new to the event, participating teams this year included Hess, TGS, Amec, Nedbank Capital and event hosts BG Group. The six-stage event saw teams taking on a series of challenges that tested their mental and strategic thinking as well as their physical fitness through a combination of running, mountain biking and canoeing.
Thanks to formidable team work that matched their fitnesss, it was Team 3, BG Aberdeen, who were crowned Overall Winners of the BG Energy Challenge. Coming in second were last year’s winners, fellow Scottish Team Amec, and taking third place was Team Perenco, who had been in contention for the lead throughout. Other awards included the Most Innovative Fundraiser which was awarded to the Mixed Team from Neftex who had raised funds by cycling all the way from Oxford to Exeter for the start of the event.
The EI awarded its Communication Award to the Mixed Team from TGS for their contribution to the event’s PR programme both online and in print media in the build-up to the BG Energy Challenge. Damian Dowling, Geophysicist and TGS Team Leader for the BG Challenge (pictured above right), said, 'In this ever-changing, technical industry we recognise the importance of timely and accurate communication. As such, TGS is honoured to have received the 2012 Energy Institute Communication Award.'
Joining the teams in Dartmoor was Charity Ambassador and former Wales Rugby Union captain, Colin Charvis, who formed part of the Charity Team which was comprised of representatives from both CARE International and Sparks. Upon completing the three-day challenge Charvis said, 'It was an honour to compete in the BG Energy Challenge 2012 - UK, not only to reach the finish line after a tough but enjoyable three days but more importantly to contribute to the incredible amount of funds raised for Sparks and CARE. The sense of achievement and camaraderie we are all taking away from this weekend is huge and a justifiable reward for all the hard work – well done to everyone.'
If completing in six stages over the three days were not enough, in the months leading up to the event, teams were each tasked with raising a minimum of £5,000 for CARE and Sparks. Stand out fundraising initiatives included Jubilee-themed parties, football tournaments, 80s-themed nights out and the auction of a genuine drill bit from a gas well. Many teams exceeded their targets, but it was Team Anadarko who led the way by raising an incredible £14,000. Since it began in 1997, the combined efforts of all teams takes the fundraising tally for the UK event to £3 million, raising a total of £6.5 million worldwide.
The EI staff team (pictured right) would like to thank EI members and colleagues for all of their support over the last few months. Followers were regularly kept up-to-date with the EI's blog tracking the staff team's progress leading up to the challenge.Out of the 33 teams, this year the EI was delighted to come 11th - their best ever placing to date.
For full results, stage reports and photos, visit www.bg-energychallenge.com/uk
Follow Us