All 168 pupils from Carrongrange High School are on the road to Rome this month without even leaving their school.
Supporting The My Name’s Doddie Foundation, ‘Roads to Rome’ team, the school has organised its own ‘Carrongrange Challenge’ where pupils will take part in a 3000km challenge that will see them riding bikes, paddleboarding, swimming and other activities throughout February to meet the target.
Their challenge mirrors the elite ‘Roads to Rome’ team riders who will depart Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28th February, cycling 3000km to Rome via each of the Rugby 6 Nations stadia to raise money and awareness for My Names Doddie Foundation and help find a cure for MND.
The elite team will cover the gruelling distance by bike over nine days and Marcello Cuttitta, Italy Rugby legend, will be presented with the match ball in Monaco and has been supporting the team’s arrangements for Italy.
Pupils will be paddleboarding to represent when the teams are crossing the Irish Sea, swimming when they are crossing the English Channel and cycling, running, jumping, hopping, and dancing their way to match the 3000km distance that the cycling team will cover to get to Rome.
Several pupils will also travel to Edinburgh on the 28th February and be part of the official send-off and will follow the elite team in procession using their own adapted bikes as they leave Edinburgh for their Italian adventure.
The school’s Makaton Choir will be waving them off with a rousing rendition of 'Flower of Scotland'. Makaton is an inclusive language programme that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable people to communicate.
Janine Proudfoot, Carrongrange Headteacher said: “The entire school is really excited by the challenge as it allows everyone to take part in the fundraising. Being part of this huge event gives the school a positive boost and those who are part of the official send-off are excited to be at the heart of everything.”
Councillor Iain Sinclair, spokesperson for Education said: “This is a magnificent effort by everyone at Carrongrange. Supporting the work of this cause is to be commended and would urge everyone to get behind the school’s fundraising efforts.”
The Carrongrange Team Challenge will see pupils:
• Cycling the 3000km to Rome - 15000 laps of their school playground
• Swimming the English Channel – 1780 laps of their swimming pool
• Paddleboarding the width of the Irish Sea and back again.
Donations can be made to their Just Giving Page to help raise money for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation and keep track of their progress via their social channels.